That German Life #2

Christmas: How to officially celebrate

Christmas has always been a holiday that I associated with an absurd about of time spent at the mall, lots of time spent on planes to visit family, and a slowly increasing amount of the Hallmark channel that ends on the 26th. Growing up in the good ole US of A definitely shaped the way I feel about of a number of holidays, but Christmas in particular - yet I am not sure if it was a good way. I often feel America's consumeristic focus distracts many families from the actual value of the holiday times: spending time with family.

The German culture values Christmas on a whole other level, in a whole new way. I partially believe that because of the rejection of nationalism after World War II, the German population, unintentionally, began to take pride in something that could never be considered dangerous: doing Christmas well. And boy is it done well.

Starting on December 1st, Christmas markets, or Weihnachtsmarkts, across the country open to the public. Featuring handmade gifts, ice skating rinks, both sweet and savory foods, Rockafellar-rivaling trees, ferris wheels, and endless amounts of Glühwein (mulled wine), the markets are places to go with the family on the weekend or even with coworkers after a long day. They foster the feeling of warmth and togetherness, along with fueling the local economy instead of present money going to large corporations.

Avent calenders are planned out weeks in advance and are almost always homemade. From packages hanging on a stick to handcrafted paper boxes to small sacks lined on the staircases, each family has their own way to store the tiny presents. Containing everything from candy to socks (my friend got four pair in this year's calendar), loved ones are able to customize gifts to the recipient's taste, while also remaining under budget.

Handmade presents, in general, are just more accepted and more appreciated. Handmade collages, printed photos, self-made art/crafts, baked goods; the materialistic desires I always sense in the US during the holidays are just so much quieter here.

Of course, there will always be outliers, but I believe the main difference is people understand the holidays are about family - and truly live that belief.

Lessons of the Day

• if you are a Christmas person, you definitely need to make a trip to Germany for the Christmas markets (most historic in Dresden)
• consider a homemade Adventskalendar - they are more fun for both you and your loved ones!
• tickle that creative bone in your body for some homemade presents
• truly spend time with your family this holiday season, and if you are not with your family - make your own with people you care for!

Happy Holidays everyone!

Sources: photo 1, photo 2, photo 3, photo 4

this is a series where I talk about things I encounter as a foreigner in Germany. from language discoveries to bureaucracy frustrations to cultural differences, check in to That German Life for updates