12 Days of Christmas Day 10: Santa

So, I totally intended to talk about Santa Claus and how he and der Weihnachtsmann compare and contrast. However, upon further research into the topic, I became confused. I guess that's what happens when your native traditions and customs are a hodge podge of those of other cultures. Let me try to explain.

In some parts of Germany, Sankt Nikolaus comes the night of December 5th to fill the shoes of children with small treats and gifts (as I mentioned in a previous post). In some traditions, the children can also leave a list for Sankt Nikolaus to pass on to the Weihnachtsmann, who delivers presents on the night of December 24th.

In the US, we mix those two traditions together. Santa Claus comes the night of December 24th to deliver presents, as well as fill shoes/stockings. Only some areas/families observe the St. Nick tradition.

Santa only comes to those who believe! So, don't stop believin'

!

For a more detailed and informative explanation, check out this site.

In either case, the gift-bringer who come on the 24th is a jolly old man with a long white beard and a red get-up. One rides a horse, while the other flies around in a sleigh pulled by magical reindeer. And both are certainly integral to modern celebrations of Christmas (at least as I know it).








Bis morgen!

12 Days of Christmas Day 9: Sweaters

Gorgeous!!

Part of what makes this season my favorite is the ability to get all cozy and put on some warm layers. Sweaters, scarves, hats, mittens, boots, stockings... So many possibilities! By far my favorites are the sweaters, though. And I'm not even just talking about the ugly Christmas sweaters that are so popular nowadays. I'm talking about the Norwegian sweaters. Seriously, put "Norwegian sweaters" into an image search. They look so beautiful and cozy! Something about a luxuriously soft and warm sweater just screams "Christmas!" to me.

Yep, I'd call that ugly!

Sweatshirts like this are all the rage.

                     

Bis morgen!

12 Days of Christmas Day 6: St. Nick

Santa's inspiration?

St. Nick's Day (Sankt Nikolaus Tag) is a holiday commemorating St. Nicholas. He was known for his generosity toward the needy, and his love of children. The night before the anniversary of his death date (December 6th), children set out their shoes (or hang stockings) for St. Nick to find. On the next morning, they are delighted to find their shoes filled with sweets, fruit, nuts and a present of some kind. During my last stay in Germany, the children had to also clean their shoes before setting them out, or else St. Nick might not come (a clever way to get kids to clean their shoes without much of a struggle, if you ask me).

Again, this is something I haven't had in the past two years. I guess that means my childhood's just about over... Och, menno...



Bis morgen!