VOL. V, NO. 6
DECEMBER 13, 1963
My Christmas In Germany
By Ursula Krome '64
Foreign Exchange Student
From what I have already heard about American Christmases, I would say that there are some differences compared to the Christmas celebration with my family.
"Advent" starts in the beginning of December, which is the preparation for the great feast. Late in the evening of the first Saturday of the month, my parents hang up a big wreath made out of fir tree branches with four red candles on it. The next morning we children are surprised by how nicely it is decorated, and we look forward to the afternoon when the first candle is lit. It is traditional in our family that my father lights the first candle. We sit under the "Adventskranz," which is hung from the ceiling, sing Christmas songs, and read Christmas stories. Usually, from this time on, everybody is thinking over what to make or to buy for their relatives. In the city all the shops are lit up, and the children often go downtown to see the decorations in the windows. During the night it is especially exciting to walk through our town. Christmas trees are standing in the middle of the parks, and lights are strung from one side of the street to the other. The days pass by very quickly, and we realize this on our advent calendars. Each child gets a calendar on the first of December, and every day one of the windows on the calendar is opened.
Foreign Exchange Student
From what I have already heard about American Christmases, I would say that there are some differences compared to the Christmas celebration with my family.
"Advent" starts in the beginning of December, which is the preparation for the great feast. Late in the evening of the first Saturday of the month, my parents hang up a big wreath made out of fir tree branches with four red candles on it. The next morning we children are surprised by how nicely it is decorated, and we look forward to the afternoon when the first candle is lit. It is traditional in our family that my father lights the first candle. We sit under the "Adventskranz," which is hung from the ceiling, sing Christmas songs, and read Christmas stories. Usually, from this time on, everybody is thinking over what to make or to buy for their relatives. In the city all the shops are lit up, and the children often go downtown to see the decorations in the windows. During the night it is especially exciting to walk through our town. Christmas trees are standing in the middle of the parks, and lights are strung from one side of the street to the other. The days pass by very quickly, and we realize this on our advent calendars. Each child gets a calendar on the first of December, and every day one of the windows on the calendar is opened.
For three days before Christmas we are not allowed to go into the living room. During this time my parents set up the tree, and my mother prepares a table on which we all place the gifts. Finally, after waiting a long time, the twenty‑fourth of December arrives. In the afternoon we have coffee and "stollen" cake, which we eat only at this time. It is baked with loads of raisins, citron, and almonds.
A little bell, which my father has hidden, is shaken and we all proceed to the living room. The first thing we admire is the big tree which goes from the floor to the ceiling. All of the lights on the tree are turned off except for the burning candles, and we stand quietly watching this beautiful tree. It is decorated with silver tinsel, colored paper, stars, and candies which we can now take off. Under the fur tree we have a manger scene that my grandparents had when they were young. We all like the homemade wooden figures which are watching the little child. After we have gotten our, presents, and have had our traditional potato salad and meat, we go to church to the service at midnight; here the minister reads the Christmas story from the Bible, accompanied by the songs of our little choir.
Many people in Germany also put lights in their windows in memory of the thousands of Germans behind the Iron Curtain.
A little bell, which my father has hidden, is shaken and we all proceed to the living room. The first thing we admire is the big tree which goes from the floor to the ceiling. All of the lights on the tree are turned off except for the burning candles, and we stand quietly watching this beautiful tree. It is decorated with silver tinsel, colored paper, stars, and candies which we can now take off. Under the fur tree we have a manger scene that my grandparents had when they were young. We all like the homemade wooden figures which are watching the little child. After we have gotten our, presents, and have had our traditional potato salad and meat, we go to church to the service at midnight; here the minister reads the Christmas story from the Bible, accompanied by the songs of our little choir.
Many people in Germany also put lights in their windows in memory of the thousands of Germans behind the Iron Curtain.