Christmas in Germany and Sister Enger

Each Tuesday I attend a class with some of the other missionaries who want to learn about the culture of Germany.  This month we are learning about Christmas.  It is very interesting.  Christmas begins in Germany earlier than America.  It starts four Sundays before Christmas with Advent.  Advent is usually a wreath with four candles on it that sits on a table.  On the first Sunday, one candle is lit, on the second Sunday, the first and second candle are lit and so forth.  Some families give a gift on each Sunday but it is not all about the gifts but about spending time together as a family.  Weihnachtsmann (Santa Clause) may not come.  The Christkind (Christ child in English) is the person who is the gift giver in Germany and other parts of Europe.  The "Christkind" does not look like you would think.  It is usually a girl, but could be a boy, with blond hair and a crown with candles in the crown who is the bearer of gifts to the children.  She usually has a cape to represent wings and a long dress which is white and with gold stars.  The Christkind brings gifts on the evening of the 24th instead of waiting until the 25th.  Usually, as tradition has been, the father takes the children out of the home on the 24th while the mother sets up the tree and decorates it preparatory for the Christkind.  When father brings the children back home they are all excited because everything is all decorated and ready for the opening of presents after a good meal.  They do not get as many gifts as American children receive.  Germans are a lot more practical with their spending of hard earned money and children may receive 2-3 gifts and be so thrilled with their treasures.

 St. Nikolaus Day ..... the Saint on whom "Santa Claus" is based actually comes on the 6th of December.  Oft times, St. Nikoaus would come to ones home and read from his list of all the naughty and nice things that the children of the household did that past year and then he would not give out gifts but instead each child would get candy.

In American, we always have a turkey on Christmas day for our dinner but you won't find one in Germany.  Instead they have a goose with cooked red cabbage.  One more thing that you won't hear in Germany ..... Silent Nite.......Not until Christmas eve, this is the only time they sing this favored hymn.

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