Weihnachten!

Snow falling on half-timbered homes, medieval castles, cobblestone streets, stores proudly displaying 6ft tall gingerbread houses and of course, the enchanting Christmas Markets bursting with hand-carved candle powered pyramids, Nussknackers and advent wreaths.  There’s undoubtedly something fairy-tale like about Christmas in Germany.  We visited 3 Christmas markets including the famous Nuernberg Christkindlmarkt which did not disappoint.  It also has a separate square geared towards the Kinder!  It was freezing though and at one point, Declan declared he couldn't take another step because he feet were "steaming cold."

Emma bought a wooden board for a friend and had her name burned on it

When asked if she wanted a sausage, Emma replied, "Only if it's whole grain."

Advent holds quite a predominant role here in Bavarian culture.  All the kids in Emma’s class brought a gender neutral gift, then each day of Advent one child got to take home a little surprise.  Serena’s class was similar except that two kids dressed up like angels to hand out the gifts.  Last week, Emma and Declan’s classes sang in front of the village church which was followed by horse and carriage rides and chased by Glühwein and Heiße Schokolade.  Emma's school also performed their Christmas program this evening complete with the nativity story, Christmas songs, instrumental pieces and a puppet show!  Attendance was mandatory (!) since the kids are dismissed an hour earlier on the last day before break.

Good cop, bad cop?

On December 5, after setting their boots by the door, children recite poems for Nikolaus, who comes with his bishop's staff and bag of treats for well-behaved kids but he’s not alone.  His escort, Knecht Ruprecht, has his own stick and bag to collect the naughty ones.  He uses the stick to push the kids down in the bag!

We set up our Christmas tree just after St. Nick’s to the shock of all our friends.  Apparently, it’s more common to wait until a few days before Christmas if not Christmas Eve.  The big Christmas celebration/gift exchange takes place on December 24, often with duck, sausages and potato salad.  A window is left open to allow entry for the Christkind aka Weihnachtsmann to deliver his goodies.  Christkind literally means Christ Child or Jesus and Declan was surprised to hear Jesus is involved in the present business here.  In Milwaukee, all he brings is eternal salvation and peace on earth! 
 

Our neighborhood hosts a wonderful street advent calendar in which each house decorates a window and then all the neighbors gather to the revealing of that day’s numbered window followed by more Glühwein and cookies.  Seriously, how much more Glühwein can these Krauts drink? 

This one is ours!

 

Keeping warm waiting for the window reveal

The year winds up with New Year’s Eve, Silvester.  A popular drink is Feuerzangenbowle – a spiced red wine with sugar and rum.  On Silvester, you shouldn’t serve duck because all your luck and fortune in the new year could fly away with it.  It’s a widespread tradition to watch the black and white British short film, “Dinner For One” and set off fireworks.  Not just harmless sparklers mind you, but zoom past your head, wake up your neighbors fireworks.

Gluehwein anyone?

 On that note, Fröhliche Weihnachten und ein Frohes Neues Jahr!  May your year go out in a bang!