Today’s author is Prince of Peace member, Rainer Jaeschke.
Growing up in a small town south of Berlin in the Soviet Occupied Zone shortly after the end of the Second World War, Christmas still had all the traditions. In a time of limited food supplies my parents made an earnest effort to celebrate the holidays with food on the table and modest gifts. I remember celebrating with my siblings Saint Nicholas Day every December 6. We left our clean shoes outside the bedroom door the night before, hoping to get some candy, fruit, or cookies but not pieces of coal from Saint Nicholas. Of course, success was based on whether we had behaved ourselves.
We had an advent calendar and marked it off diligently every day in anticipation of Christmas Eve. I recall we decorated the Christmas tree in the afternoon, followed by dinner, and then had to wait until our parents had placed the gifts under the tree. The Tannenbaum was totally lit with real candles, handmade straw stars, and some other ornaments. We usually received one gift and some snacks, to include a rare orange. My mother managed to bake cookies such as Pfeffernuesse, cinnamon stars, and a Stollen (fruit bread). My sister and I were asked to memorize a short Christmas themed poem and recite it before opening the gift. We followed with singing a few Christmas carols and later went to midnight church service. This church was actually visited by Martin Luther and still has an active congregation today.
Christmas cards were not exchanged, but they became a tradition once we came to the United States in 1957. In fact, I look forward to receiving a unique hand-made card each year from my sister.
Christmas Markets in Germany have a rich history, with the oldest being in Nuremberg. Although I never visited a Christmas Market in Germany, it can be experienced here in the Twin Cities at the Union Depot. Also, a great many Christmas traditions in Germany can be witnessed at the German American Institute on Summit Avenue in St, Paul.
Blessings for a rich meaningful Christmas Season.