A European Christmas

With the holidays right around the corner, it's hardthe Nikolaus, or Weinachtsmann (Santa Claus) came.
not to reminisce our childhood memories and holidaysLeading up to Nikolaustag, we children would have to
of yesteryear. In each culture, there are differingbehave very well, because St. Nikolaus could 'see
values and traditions which are celebrated in differenteverything' we did. And the night before December
ways.During the 70's, growing up 'German' in Europe6th, we would have to clean our winter boots
was one of the most fascinating and magicalmeticulously to put outside our doors. Why the heck
decades. Having strong German roots, our familywould we clean our boots and place them outside
participated in many German Christmas traditions. Oneour doors? Well, I'll tell you why - if we were good,
of those traditions was Advent. The Advent, orand our boots were really clean, St. Nikolaus would
Christmas calendar, is picture-box calendar decoratedstuff our boots with candies, little toys and
with wintry & Christmas scenes, biblical characterschocolates. If we were bad, we would receive a
and 'St. Nicolas.' On the face of the calendar, are 24bundle of switches or lumps of coal.Unknown to
small doors, each containing a small chocolate - onepopular American custom, the 'Weinachtsmann' was
opened each day for the holiday season. Theconceived by German-American Illustrator, Thomas
December 24th door, which is the 'Heiligabend'Nast, who created the Christmas image of Santa in
(Christmas Eve) is usually the largest door on theAmerica - which, ultimately set a precedent for the
calendar and most often contains a chocolatepermanent, symbolic establishment of Santa
Nativity. As children, we relished in this fun, and tastyClaus.Traditionally, German Christmas is observed
feature of the holiday season.But Advent wasn'tthrough 'Heilige Drei Konige Tag,' or Three Kings Day
simply comprised of the Holiday Calendar, we also(also known as the Magi or the Wise Men). In some
partook in the Advent Wreath, or 'Adventskranz'parts of Europe, such as Austria, Germany and
which was beautifully displayed on tables throughoutSwitzerland, the Letters C + M + B (Caspar, Melchor,
the house. Wreathes held 4 candles; the first candleand Balthazar - and, 'Christus mansionem benedicat,'
being lit the fourth Sunday before Christmas, andmeaning 'Christ bless this house.') are etched with
another one each Sunday thereafter. Around thechalk above doorways and home entrances on
evergreen wreath of candles, our family wouldJanuary 6th. Of course, this is the epitome of the 12
gather as each candle was meticulously lit. My momDays of ChristmasFinally, on the 'Kristkind Abend'
would recite a simple, German passage each time she(Christ Child Eve or Christmas Eve), aside from the
would light a candle:"Advent, AdventWeinachts Baum (Christmas Tree custom started by
Ein Kerzlein brent.Martin Luther), families receive 'Bunte Teller,' or
Erst Eins,colored plates filled with oranges, candies, Marzipan
den Zwei,(comprised of almonds and suger), Lebkuchen
den Drei,(gingerbread), Stollen (fruit bread) and an assortment
den Vier -of chocolates and other goods. Before any gifts are
den steht der Kristkind vor der tur."Which translatesexchanged, Christmas Carols like Stille Nacht (Silent
into, 'Advent, Advent, a candle burns. First one, thenNight from Austrian composer Franz Gruber) are sung
two, then three, then four - then stands the Christby the tree.To this day, I am still amazed at the
Child before the door.'For you see, in Germany, it isprofound effects of Christmas' past have had on me.
the 'Kristkind' (Christ Child) who brings gifts onAs a child, the holiday was mystical and magical, as
Christmas Eve.Another childhood pastime was St.an adult, its beautiful memories are forever etched in
Nikolaustag (St. Nicholas Day) was a fun andmy heart and soul.Wishing all a happy, memory-filled,
lighthearted tradition whereby children everywhereholiday season!
anxiously awaited the arrival of December 6th when