You remember it…that Christmas Eve special magic that comes from the movement and light of a spinning Christmas Pyramid. The special “Christmassy” incense smell coming from Santa’s pipe. Finding my favorite special German Ornaments on the tree… and knowing that under the tree in a special box would be one for my tree when I’m grown. The people at The…
Category: German Christmas Traditions
What is a Froebel Star – German Paper Folded Christmas Stars
While researching Moravian Stars (aka Herrnhuttersterne), I came across sweet little folded German paper stars. While they didn’t look like the pointed Moravian stars, although that’s what many resources called them. In Germany, they are called Fröbelsterne or Froebel Stars. (Other names for the folded stars: German Star, Advent Star, Danish Star, Nordic Star, Polish Star, Pennsylvanian Star, Christmas Star,…
A Visit to Seiffen Germany- Germany’s Spielzeugdorf
I’m completely convinced that despite the North Pole story we were told as children, the real Santa’s workshop can be found in Seiffen Germany. This tucked away town in the Erzgebirge known as the Spielzeugdorf (Toy Village) is all about making wooden toys and traditional German Christmas decorations. The main road is lined with stores full of Nutcrackers, Smokers, Schwiboggen…
German Rum Balls Recipe- a Holiday Indulgence
Rumkugeln, or German Rum Balls, have always been my favorites. Just the smell makes me weak in the knees! When I was a child, my mother only made them at Christmas—just one batch. And I would watch and wait for the chance to lick the bowl and the spoon. (I think part of the appeal was the Rum… we all…
What is the Christkind- The Golden Haired Gift Giver in Germany
Even though I grew up in the United States, where Santa Claus dominated Christmas, my sister and I got presents from the Christkind (or Christkindl) on Christmas Eve. It was magical! We would hide in our bedroom, peering out the window, wondering when she would arrive. The Christkind coming was a special delivery just for us since we weren’t in…
The Rauschgoldengel- The legend of the Golden Angel
High above the Plobenhofstraße entrance of the Nuremberg Christkindelmarkt hangs the Rauschgoldengel. This large gold foil angel welcomes all the guests and is a symbol of the market. And all over the market, you will find stalls selling smaller versions of this Golden Angel. But what is a Rauschgoldengel? And how did a foil angel become the symbol for Nuremberg…
Where to buy Lebkuchen Online- Order German Lebkuchen for Christmas
Every year, I bake a lot, but I still place an order for the delicious German Lebkuchen that my family craves at Christmastime. Baking isn’t difficult, but honestly, the most challenging thing about buying Lebkuchen is choosing which varieties to order. (We hold long discussions about it in our family) The selection of types and flavors is almost overwhelming! So,…
Start a Family Tradition- Ravensburger Christmas Puzzles
Every year we bring out a new Ravensburger Christmas Puzzle to work on during the days and nights leading up to Christmas. A table is set up, and the pieces are sorted (edge verses middle)… and off we go. Ravensburger …the German company based in Ravensburg… makes high quality puzzles with beautiful Christmas images. They hold up well to lots…
Steinbach Company in Germany- Still Making Erzgebirge Magic for the World
“We want to bring the Erzgebirge magic into peoples homes all over the world.” While scrolling through Facebook recently, I came across an interesting comment on the Steinbach Nutcracker fan page… it said that the Steinbach Company in Germany had been purchased, and the factory was up and running again. WHAT! I did some digging, and couldn’t find much……