Re: [GRD] Re: OT Christmas tree

Hi Godi, been meaning to ask you for a while now.....where in Germany????  
I'm from Heidelberg.  

 A Christmas calendar with or without chocolates is put out Dec. first.  
Every day a window is opened revealing a piece of chocolate,a picture, or 
small gift.   St. Nicholaus comes Dec. 6 when a boot (or apple house) is put 
out.  The boot is filled with a small gift, fruit, candies....and sometimes 
switches from Krampus if one was not so good.  At our house it usually is 
switches w/ candies attached.  We don't use the candles on the tree, 
allergies to fresh trees prohibit that, but mom uses electric candles.  
Unfortunately they are not found here in the US on strands, so I use the 
plain white lights.  We have Gluhwein to warm our bones, then have a 
"traditional" fish (Karp or Trout) dinner Xmas eve, then later on we sing 
German christmas songs, and after the Christkindl comes ....we open/exchange 
gifts.  Then usually to midnight mass, or mass the next morning.  Xmas day 
one usually has a duck dinner, but we much prefer turkey over duck.  Have not 
tried the turducken yet......which would be a nice alternative incorporating 
both traditions, US and Europe. Friends visit each other that day and 
exchange gifts.   In Germany the 26 th of Dec. is also celebrated being the 
2nd Christmas day......and since it is my mom's birthday we celebrate it here 
as well.

New Years Eve is celebrated with friends.....taosting w/ champagne, eating 
the Rollmops for luck, and Bleigiessen (Tin melting) for fortunes for the 
year.  LOL We exchange New Years piggies w/ a pfennig, the others from years 
prior are used for decorations along with shamrocks and chimneysweepers.    

Such are traditions that bring back memories.

Noreen
zone 9
Texas Gulf Coast

In a message dated 12/11/2002 8:50:54 PM Central Standard Time, 
Godigarden@CS.COM writes:



> 
> We too bring the tree in two days before Christmas Eve.
> Growing up in Germany we put real candles with clips on the tree and when 
> they are lit, it's a sight to behold. I have continued with the tradition. 
> For that reason the tree has to be as fresh as possible.
> Before we were married my husband thought I was crazy to do this and 
> insisted 
> that I put a bucket of water in back of the tree. (His dad was a New York 
> City fireman) I have never had any mishaps with this custom and we invite 
> neighbors and friends to share this special treat.
> Godi zone 7
> Mount Vernon VA

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