Families in Germany and Scandinavia have decorated their homes with German Straw Christmas ornaments. The simpler patterns are fairly easy to make, and since most people had some access to straw, they became quite common. But it’s more than that. Straw is closely associated with the symbolism of the Christ Child being born into a manger of straw. The legend…
Category: German Holidays and Festivals
German Bride’s Christmas Ornaments- Symbols of Love & Blessings
While hunting for a gift for a recently married friend, I stumbled across the German Brides Christmas Ornaments. I enjoy sharing German Christmas Traditions with all of you, but this was a new one for me. So I did some digging. It turns out, the German Bridal Christmas Ornaments are a newer “old Bavarian tradition”. Maybe it isn’t old, but…
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.…
What to Buy at German Christmas Markets- Make Your List!
Headed to Germany for the German Christmas Markets? Prepare to be overwhelmed! There are so many wonderful things to see, smell, taste and most of all, BUY! But before you go on a crazy spree and spend all your money on the first day…think about what you want or need, and consider your luggage allowance, just how much room…
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 can find Chocolate Advent calendars at the discount store, but you get what you pay…
Do they Celebrate Halloween in Germany? Yes and No
Traditionalists have argued for years over whether they should celebrate Halloween in Germany. In fact, a recent poll shows that 48% of Germans over the age of 35 feel that it displaces German Culture, and many more Germans feel that it is too commercial. But most Germans under 35 have embraced the celebration with open arms, which means it’s probably…
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 by a few extra days to make the cold season a little more cheerful for chilly Villagers. Goods were probably laid out on the streets or on…
What is Erntedankfest? A German Thanks for the Harvest
Most countries worldwide set aside time to give thanks or celebrate a harvest. In the United States and Canada, it is called Thanksgiving; in Swaziland, it’s known as Incwala, in Argentina, there is the Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia, and in Germany, the people celebrate Erntedankfest. But what is Erntedankfest? Does the whole family come together? Do they eat Turkey…
My Vanillekipferl Recipe- A Favorite German Christmas Cookie
Vanillakipferl or Vanilla Crescents generally aren’t the first cookie people think of when searching for a traditional German Christmas cookie recipe. It’s not spiced like a Lebkuchen or topped jam like Spitzbuben. Instead, the recipe is an excellent example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to make flavorful magic. These rich and delicious cookies are made from…