My friend 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…
Category: Advent Season in Germany
Weihnachtspunsch Recipe -German Christmas Punch
On my Christmas Market tour, I discovered that there are MANY more hot drink choices than just Glühwein and Feuerzangenbowle. I saw Kinderpunsch (punch for kids), Eierlikorpunsch (a warm Eggnoggy Punsch), Weihnachtspunsch, or Christmas Punch. This hot and rich Punch came loaded with holiday flavors, but until I found this Weihnachtspunsch Recipe, I couldn’t quite put my taste buds on…
White Glühwein Recipe – Citrus and Spice and everything nice!
While on a Christmas Market Tour, I tried all sorts of warm drinks… there was Red Glühwein, Feuerzangenbowle, Punsch, Eierpunsch, and WHITE Glühwein. White Glühwein? I’d never seen that before! This mulled white wine is warm and flavorful with the addition of Cinnamon, Anise, and Allspice. And that citrus kick appeals to my Southern California upbringing. I experimented with…
Gebrannte Mandeln- German Roasted Almonds Recipe
Visit any German Christmas Market, German Fest, or Fair, and you will smell the sugary, cinnamon, nutty scent of Gebrannte Mandeln. I’m certain they waft the smell around to lure you in (and it works). Grab a bag to munch as you shop—Crunchy, sweet, nutty, and so very delicious. But there is no reason to wait until your next visit…
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 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. The legend of…
A German Wooden Advent Calendar- Use it Again Every Year!
Traditional German Advent Calendars have long been a sweet way for children and their families to keep track of the days until Christmas. A German Wooden Advent Calendar can be reused every year. Fill with small treats or order one that comes with tiny ornaments. Because they are made in Germany, they have a solid construction with attention to detail.…
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 sure to be a hit for kids ….of all ages!! Now, you might be able to find Chocolate Advent calendars at the discount store… but you get…
The History of German Christmas Markets- A German Holiday Tradition
Every year, Christmas Markets pop up across Germany at 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 said, “You’re German; would you like these? I found them at an estate sale,”… and then she handed me these cardboard plates/bowls printed with Christmassy images. She had found paper plates for “Bunter Teller!” I was so excited to receive something from my childhood. But What is a Bunter Teller? These special plates come out every…