Germany -it's a country where we adopted a good deal of our Christmas traditions. And I got to experience a German Christmas first hand. As far as Christmas goes, Germany and the States have many similarities, along with many differences. I really can't say one is better than the other. I can only acknowledge that it was a different and new experience. It is interesting that I was in a situation in which I could experience a tradition, which I am very familiar with, in a whole new way. We think of Christmas and we have memories and instances that direct us in how Christmas is done. And, as it goes, we accept that Christmas is done that way, and that way only. Well, what of a German Christmas? A German Christmas in Hessen? Christmas is not as universal as we my assume. In fact, it is cultural.
It all starts on Christmas Eve. It is when immediate family come together and exchange gifts over wine, chocolates, and danish cookies. The mood is pleasant, lights are dim, choral music in background, small talk and laughter fill the air. Certainly a far cry to what I am used to at my family's Christmas. We have exchanging of gifts and Christmas dinner on the same day, and after eating the groups of split into different parts of the house. The women congregate and talk, the men watch football, and the children play with their new gifts. For us, Christmas is one day. One single day where all of Christendom celebrates the birth of the Savior. Memorial Day, MLK Day, and President's Day are all a one day occasion. And they represent important people and occurrences in our history but when it is supposed to be the celebration of our Savior, the savior of the world, how can we possibly fit that in one day? In Germany, it is a three day celebration. It is a time to be with family, wind down, and reflect--the simple things. The Germans like the simple things--things I feel our [American] culture overlooks. At least I have that sentiment with my family. And even if the German people don't appreciate as much as I would like to believe, at least culture and social norms allow the holiday to feel like it is at time to wind down and really observe its purpose.
Since lunch is the biggest meal of the day, it is when Christmas "dinner" is served. On Christmas, the immediate family will gather for stewed red cabbage, kloesse (potato dumplings) stuffing and of course, a big bird. Traditionally, it would be goose, but now, with the influence of America, I'm sure, it is turkey. My first impression was, "why isn't this Christmas dinner--THE Christmas dinner--not as grandiose as it is back home, with food lined up from one end of the table to the other?" Of course, because they have three days to wine and dine. Their holiday does not rest on one day, one meal. This meal is only one of many that will be served throughout the day. So I sit there, eating with my family and toasting with Franken wine to us; to being together. This laid back holiday is one that I could get used to. It was as if time was of no consequence. And it dawned on me, this is comfort.
That evening it was up to Oma and Opa's house (they lived on the second floor of the house) for coffee and cakes. I could tell that Oma was made to host and please. After all, all of her children and grandchildren were going to be there and what wouldn't make any old lady proud then to have her home filled with jewels of her existence. The coffee was full bodied, the desserts were rich, and again I felt this comfort once more. I see all the brothers and sisters, cousins and grandchildren all together. All of them, their lives, their existence, was made possible by Oma and Opa. And where were they as we all sat eating and drinking coffee? Why, they were leaning on a table that was against the wall, not a part of the main, watching with smiles intense with pride and love.
I could literally go on and on about my time in Germany. I could tell you about every exchange I had, every sight I saw, I could tell you about every impression I had of Deutschland. But the one impression that I had that really struck a chord in me was this: It didn't feel like Christmas. But wait. How can that be? Was the turkey not the way momma used to make it? Was the the Gluehwein? Was it the presents? How could this experience which I enjoyed and indulged myself with not culminate with the overhwelming feeling and warmth of Christmas? Well, it was Christmas in every way, shape, and form. I experienced every little bit of warm and kindness a body could ask for in a foreign land. But I think of back home. I think about my family there, my friends. I think about the traditions that I cherish and look forward to every year for that one moment. I think of my Christmas culture. A Christmas that is my own. It is more than just how many days off you get, or what you receive. It have come to realize Christmas is sharing a little bit of yourself, of your own culture to those around you. And I see that that was what my Aunt and Uncle were doing. They weren't necessarily giving me a "German" Christmas. They were giving me their Christmas.
