A German Feather Christmas Tree- Christmas Nostalgia

Dale recently asked me if we ever set up a Federbaum or German Feather Christmas Tree in our home while I was growing up. No, my father was a nurseryman, and it was a point of pride to have a real Noble Fir standing in the corner of the living room (never a Douglas fir… the ornaments just don’t hang…

Weihnachtspunsch Recipe -German Christmas Punch

One thing I discovered on last year’s Christmas Market tour is that there are MANY more hot drink choices than just Glühwein and Feuerzangenbowle. I saw Kinderpunsch (punch for kids) Eierlikorpunsch (sort of a warm Eggnoggy punsch) and  Weihnachtspunsch or Christmas Punch. This rich hot Punch came loaded with holiday flavors… but until I found this Weihnachtspunsch Recipe, I couldn’t…

White Glühwein Recipe – Citrus and Spice and everything nice!

While on my Christmas Market Tour last I took the opportunity to taste all sorts of warm drinks… there was Red Glühwein, Feuerzangenbowle, Punsch, Eierpunsch, and WHITE Glühwein. White Glühwein? I’d never seen that before! And I love it! It’s warm and flavorful with the addition of Cinnamon, Anise and Allspice. But it also has more of a citrus kick,…

Gebrannte Mandeln- German Roasted Almonds Recipe

Visit any German Christmas Market , German FeFair, and you will smell the sugary, cinnamon, nutty scent of Gebrannte Mandeln. I think they waft the smell around to lure you in (and it works). Grab a bag to munch as you shop. Crunchy, sweet, nutty… so delicious.  But there is no reason to wait until your next visit to a…

Countdown to Christmas With a Playmobil Advent Calendar

  When my kids were young, their Oma gave them a Playmobil Advent Calendar. This had to be the exciting HIT of the Season. Imagine, every day, a box containing a little Playmobil part would be opened (they took turns… ) and the piece would be added to the scene that was developing on the side table in the family…

German Straw Christmas Ornaments -To Buy or Make

German Straw Christmas ornaments have been used in Germany and also in Scandinavia for years. They are fairly easy and inexpensive to make, and since most people had some access to straw, they became quite common. But it’s more than that… straw is closely tied to the symbolism of the Christ Child being born into a bed of straw. In…

A German Wooden Advent Calendar- Use it Again Every Year!

Traditional German Advent Calendars have long been a wonderful way for children and their families to keep track of the days until Christmas. A German Wooden Advent Calendar  can be used over and over again every year. Refill with your own small treats or order one that comes with tiny ornamBecause they are made in Germany, they have a solid…

German Chocolate Advent Calendars- Sweet Christmas Countdown

Since 1958, the only thing better than just opening a door on your Advent Calendar, is opening a door and finding a piece of CHOCOLATE behind it! These German Chocolate Advent Calendars are certain to be a hit for kids ….of all ages!! Now, I know, you might be able to find Chocolate Advent calendars at the discount store… but…

The History of German Christmas Markets- A German Holiday Tradition

  Every year Christmas Markets pop up around Germany in the beginning of the Advent Season, signaling the approach of the Christmas Holidays. Christmas Markets began centuries ago, when regular markets were extended a few extra days to make the cold season a little more cheerful for the chilly Villagers. Goods were probably laid out on the streets or on…

What is a Bunter Teller? A Plate of Christmas Cookies for Everyone!

Last week a friend of mine said, “You’re German, would you like these? I found them at an estate sale”… and then she handed me these cardboard plate/bowls printed with Christmassy images. She had found paper plates for “Bunte Teller!” I was so excited to receive something from my childhood. But, What is a Bunter Teller? These special plates come…

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