German Christmas Smokers or Räuchermännchen may look like a toy or a simple decoration that goes on the mantle, but they do more; they are incense burners. Many people collect Räuchermännchen, and this Christmas decoration is pretty common in most German households (like Nutcrackers). What’s fun and collectible about these figures is the variety of Smokers. There are Santas, Brewers,…
Category: German Christmas Traditions
Collectible Steinbach Ornaments for Your Christmas Tree
Every year for Christmas, my mother gives us each special Steinbach Christmas Tree ornaments. Sometimes it represents a hobby, other times, it’s a cute Santa. In this way we are amassing an amazing collection of Steinbach ornaments. The wood ornaments from Steinbach absolutely delight me from year to year, and since they are made of wood, they don’t shatter when…
More Christmas Tablecloths than Tables Mehr Tischdeckchen als Tische
November is when I start cleaning the things I will need for the holidays. Glassware gets a polish, the “good dishes” get a wash, and the tablecloths all get checked for a touch-up iron. So, yesterday I went to the drawer were I keep the smaller Weihnachts Tisch Deckchen (Christmas table cloths) and I realized something… over the past few…
Collectible Wooden German Santa Claus Figurines from the Erzgebirge
ISDD German incense smoker Santa Claus under candlearch, height 19 cm/7 inch, original Erzgebirge by Mueller Seiffen German Santa Claus figurines are some of my favorite Christmas Decorations. Probably because my mom always had a line up of them on her mantle… and so now I do too! It’s a special day when the Christmas boxes come out of storage,…
Christmas Tree Lametta- German Tinsel for the Christmas Tree
We always had Lametta, or Tinsel, for the Christmas Tree, a German Tradition. (Even for their first Christmas in America, my parents had it!) These long strands of silver hang from the tree, looking like shiny icicles. Mom insisted on it. I loved it, even though none of my American friends had a Christmas tree that looked anything like ours.…
Wendt and Kühn Angels- The Grünhainichen Angel Orchestra
I love my Wendt and Kühn Angels! The Grünhainichen Angel Orchestra sits on my mantle at Christmastime. Their sweet faces make me smile. When it’s time to unpack our set of Wooden Angels, it takes me back to my childhood. When I was a little girl I would spend hours arranging and re-arranging the bands of angels, and I even imagined…
Where to Order Your Favorite German Christmas Chocolates
I grew up with German Christmas Chocolates. That smooth, rich, delicious taste that melts on my tongue. Mmmmmmmm. When I was a child, my opa would send care packages from Germany at Christmas and again on our Birthdays—large packages wrapped in brown paper tied with string. When you opened the packages, the smell… I still remember the smell… it smelled…
Traditional German Glühwein Recipe- German Mulled Wine For a Cold Evening
This German Gluhwein Recipe-Warms Your Toes and Your Tummy I love making this Traditional German Gluhwein Recipe during the Holiday season. A simmering pot of Glühwein on the stove makes the house smell like Christmas. The spicey flavors warm you down to your toes. Best of all, it’s not difficult to make! Serve this at a holiday gathering, or make some…
Christmas Markets Along the Rhine- Cruise the Rhine in December
There is something magical about a German Christmas Market Holiday, especially along the Rhine River. The smell of Gingerbread, grilling Sausages, and roasting Chestnuts fill the air…. you hear musicians playing Christmas Carols…. rows of booths sell handmade wooden toys, blown glass German Christmas Ornaments, candles, pewter mugs, and Advent Wreaths….. singers and performers take the stage with special Christmas performances…..…