On Christmas 1970 I was only 3 years old… just old enough to get really excited about Weihnachten. The lights, the tinsel, and wonder of wonders… the presents! You can see me on Mama’s lap… somewhat wide eyed (hard to see behind those glasses…. those days finding stylish eyeglasses for children was a difficult thing). Opa was visiting, as he…
Category: German Christmas Traditions
Make Salt Dough Crafts- Create Your own Ornaments with Saltzteig
Since the time of the Ancient Egyptians, Salt Dough or Salzteig, has been used for decorations, and many other cultures have used this simple technique. In Germany you will see Salzteig creations everywhere, made by both children and adults. From the very simple cookie cutter cut out ornaments, to elaborate wreaths made with layers of leaves and fruits. These art…
Memories of Christmas in Germany, A Trip to the City
(Occasionally, we are blessed here at German Girl to have a guest post tell a story of life in Germany… either from the past, or current. Gisela Mangus has shared a lovely story about what Christmas was like right after the War. If you have a story to share… please email me at [email protected]) Memories of Christmas in…
Feuerzangenbowle Recipe and Where to Buy A Feuerzangenbowle Set
Nothing says Gemütlichkeit like a flaming drink! The German Feuerzangenbowle Set (literally, Fire Tongs Punch brings friends together. This traditional German mulled wine (Glühwein) has a flaming cone of sugar over it, slowly dripping the caramelized sugar into the warm wine for extra flavor. I fell hard for this drink while visiting the Christmas Markets in Germany last year. Whenever…
Marzipan Pigs Good Luck -Marzipan Glückschwein
The Marzipan Pig Tradition is quite simple…. If you give Marzipan Pigs, good luck and delicious flavors will be spread to friends and family this Christmas! Many Germans like to include a Marzipan Glückschwein with their Christmas gifts! Or as a special gift for the New Year. These sweet treats will make anyone feel lucky…. If only because they have a…
The German St Nicholas Tradition- What is St Nicholas Day?
On the evening of December 5th, children in Germany, especially in the Catholic regions, will clean their shoes and place them by the door or on the stairs, hoping that St Nicholas will come by and fill them with sweet treats and small gifts overnight. Years ago, before Christmas became a gift-giving holiday, December 6th was when children got their…