Childhood Memories of Christmas in Germany

A Family's German Roots

My grandparents emigrated from Germany long before I was born. My father was just two years old at the time and has only faint memories of his early life there. However, my grandmother maintained close ties with her siblings who stayed in Germany and often yearned for a Christmas spent with her family back home. When I was eight, my father decided to fulfill her long-held wish.

The Surprise of a Lifetime

I vividly recall the joy on my grandmother’s face when my father announced that he was taking her and our family to Germany for two weeks during Christmas. My grandfather had passed away the previous year, making this trip even more poignant. My grandmother, overwhelmed with emotion, began exclaiming in German and hugging my father, tears streaming down her face.

Arrival in Germany

We landed in Germany on December 23rd. Despite being exhausted, I couldn’t sleep as my grandmother kept waking me to admire the decorations in her hometown. Initially, I found them plain compared to the bright, flashy decorations back home. But as I looked closer, I noticed the beauty in the simplicity: boughs of fir and pine adorned with red bows and candles glowing in every window. The greenery was enchanting.

A Special Advent

We arrived at my great aunt’s home, where we would stay with various relatives over the two weeks. It was the last Sunday of Advent, and my great aunt asked me to light the Advent candle for the evening. I felt incredibly honored, as my parents never allowed me near our Advent wreath at home. Nervously, I lit the candle, careful not to drop it and set the wreath ablaze.

Christmas Eve at Church

On Christmas Eve, we attended my grandmother’s childhood church. Throughout the service, she wept. I asked my father why she was so sad, and he explained that it was a mix of happiness at being home and sorrow that my grandfather couldn’t share the moment with her. I slid across the pew to give her a comforting hug.

The Glorious Christmas Tree

Upon returning from church, I noticed a previously closed room now open, revealing a glowing Christmas tree adorned with real candles. The presents beneath it were beautifully wrapped, creating an image that remains etched in my memory.

The Christmas Feast

After opening presents, we enjoyed a feast. Many of the foods were unfamiliar to me, but I relished the goose, marzipan fruits, cookies, and chocolates. The flavors were a delightful departure from what I was used to.

Farewell and Lasting Memories

We stayed in Germany through the Feast of the Epiphany, leaving on January 7th. During those weeks, I met numerous family members, many of whom I haven’t seen since. My grandmother passed away three months later. My father always believed she was holding on to experience one last Christmas in Germany. That Christmas remains unforgettable for me.

Interesting Facts About Christmas in Germany

• Advent Wreaths: The tradition of the Advent wreath originated in Germany in the 19th century. Each candle represents one of the four Sundays leading up to Christmas.
• Christmas Markets: Germany is famous for its Christmas markets, with the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt being one of the oldest, dating back to 1628 (source).
• Real Candles on Trees: While many countries use electric lights, some German families still use real candles on their Christmas trees, a tradition that dates back to the 17th century (source).

Conclusion

Christmas in Germany is a blend of heartfelt traditions, family reunions, and simple yet profound decorations. My journey with my grandmother not only fulfilled her lifelong wish but also created lasting memories that I cherish to this day.

Sources:

1. Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt
2. German Way: Christmas Traditions