Scrolling through the Traditions from Germany website is a bit like wandering through an authentic German Christmas market from the comfort of your own home. The charming wood and glass ornaments, handcrafted Pyramids, chubby Smokers, and even brightly lit Herrnhutter Sterne, bring joy and smiles to people who display them during the holiday season. You could say that Sheri and Jochen…
Category: German Christmas Traditions
Schwibbogen German Christmas Light Arch from the Erzgebirge
Like many German Christmas decorations, the Schwibbogen came from the Erzgebirge. Beginning in the Middle Ages, the “Mettenschicht” was the traditional last work shift before Christmas in the Ore Mountains. In these deep dark mines, a miner’s light kept the darkness at bay, and hanging them together along an arch would light up the cavern. The tradition of Schwibbogen, or…
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…
Wooden German Christmas Decorations from the German Christmas Shop USA
Last year I was lucky… I was not only able to get to the Christmas Markets in Germany, I was also able to get to the workshops and stores in Seiffen to buy authentic Wooden German Christmas decorations. You see, I love the real deal, not the cheap knockoffs from wherever. I want to be able to keep woodcarving traditions…
What is Raclette Cheese? Cheesy German New Year’s Eve Tradition
Whenever anyone asks me, “What’s your favorite kind of Cheese?” I automatically answer, “The melted kind.” And yes, I have the kind of family that loves cheese, eats loads of cheese, and spends a lot of time talking about cheese. No wonder there were loud CHEERS when I brought the Raclette Grill home. Where has this lovely dish been my…
A German Christmas Market Tour – Magic, Food and lots of Glühwein
I spend more time regretting the things I didn’t do than I regret the mistakes I may have made. That’s why when I got an email about taking a German Christmas Market Tour only days before it started, I only hesitated long enough to clear it with my family. After all, a week away in December (well, 10 days with travel),…
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…
Leckerlee Lebkuchen – Authentic German Lebkuchen Made in America
It starts with the smell of spices… ginger… is that cardamom? And then you take that first bite. “oh my gosh”. You get the nuts and citrus. The texture is amazing. I’ve been eating Lebkuchen my whole life, but outside of a German Christmas Market, I’ve never had it as fresh or flavorful as Leckerlee Lebkuchen. This is Lebkuchen baked…
Where did the Christmas Tree Originate? In Germany of Course!
In modern times, we see the Christmas Tree as the symbol of the Christmas Season. Whether you decorate it with fabulous blown glass ornaments or hand-made ornaments that the kids made at school, there it is! A tree in your home. Maybe your Christmas Tree is covered in lights, glass ornaments, and tinsel, or you prefer the more child-friendly wooden…