As part of the
curriculum all students who go to school on a military base outside of the US
have to take a class known as Host Nation.
For an our a week students are immersed in the language, customs, and
culture of the country in which they live.
I bring this up not
only because I think it is AWESOME, but becauseI myself get to attend these classes
with the students on a regular basis!
Although it is supposed to “planning” time for teacher, each time I
substitute a class that has host nation, I happily forgo my free time to learn
right along with the students. Not only
have I learned how to count to ten and sing ring around the rosy in German I
have picked up some pretty interesting information about the German way of life! This weeks lesson was extremely interesting
and fitting with my Christmas Frenzy- so naturally I thought I would pass it
along to you!
As you might have
guessed this weeks lesson was on the traditional German Christmas!
Christmas is called Weihnachten in Germany . The holiday starts at
least 4 weeks before Christmas day with the setting up of the Advent wreath to
welcome Christ’s birth. For every Sunday preceding Christmas, a candle is lit.- You can also thank Germany for the treat filled advent calendars that have become ever so popular- we have had one at my house for as long as I can remember!
The celebration continues on December 6th when Old.
St Nicholas visits. The night of the 5th,
children clean their shoes and leave them outside in hopes that St. Nicholas will
leave behind candies and treats for them. If the children did not behave well
throughout the year, he will get twigs in his shoes instead. (This is where the
traditional American Santa Clause comes from).
Christkindl |
On December 24th the real celebration begins. On this day the Christkindl (Christ child)
leaves gifts for children (American children are shocked that Santa doesn’t
visit German Children, however many people believe that this is do to the fact
that they were never taught to leave out cookies and milk). The
family chooses one room in the house to lock- this is where the Christkindl
will do her magic. Sometime during the
day, usually while the family is at church, the Christkindl prepares the locked
room with a beautifully decorated tree , presents, candles, and music (that’s one
busy angel if you ask me)! (So although
the Christmas tree comes from Germany
unlike in the States it is not set up until the 24th- along with
most of the other Christmas decorations!)
The children must wait until they
hear the bells of the Christkindl to open the locked room. When the room is finally revealed, there is
delight and wonder in their little faces. Christmas carols are sung, a story is
read, and the colorfully wrapped presents are finally opened.
After the presents are opened dinner is served. Christmas dinners in Germany consist of
delicious meals like Christollen (spiced fruitcake), Pfefferkuchenhaus
(gingerbread house decorated with candies and sprinkles), Weisswurst (flavored
sausages), Kartoffelsalat (potato salad) with Schaufele (smoked ham) and
sausages, roasted goose, Lebkuchen (spice bars), marzipan and fruits.
pretty interesting if you ask me :)
Froehliche Weinachten to one and all!!!
Oh... and P.S. If you haven't already heard we are having a BOY!!!
3 comments:
Amber, how exciting to be able to attend the classes! I am so glad that you continue to post, as I enjoy reading all that you are doing. Have a very merry Christmas!! Love to you three!!!
Whoops! Forgot to let you know who I am! Jan
Amber and Nate,
We hope and pray you have a wonderful Christmas. It really is so exciting all of the new things you are learning and passing on to us!! I love reading your posts!! And while we are talking.... Happy Birthday to you , Amber!!
Love and Prayers to you,
Sherri
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