THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. OPINIONS ARE MY OWN. Every year nutcrackers come out of their boxes during Christmas time. But did you know that the Nussknacker or nutcracker didn't start out as a Christmas tradition? And that they are actually part of a fairy tale? And are associated with being a protector and a... Continue Reading →

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. OPINIONS ARE MY OWN. Before there were glass ornaments and string lights, Christmas trees were decorated in a much simpler way. The concept of the Christmas tree was first introduced in Germany long back in the 16th century. The tree along with its evergreen branches was used to decorated... Continue Reading →

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. OPINIONS ARE MY OWN. Weihnachten or Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without a Bunter Teller! Every year, households around Germany are filled with these plates that feature delicious sweets for the entire family. Bunter Teller quite literally means 'colorful plate,' but this tradition is so much more than  that. These... Continue Reading →

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. OPINIONS ARE MY OWN. You know that Christmas is on its way when the Weihnachtspyramiden come out of their boxes. Every year, the spinning Christmas pyramid carousels delight both children and adults alike in Germany. And my family is no exception. It is one of my favorite memories as a... Continue Reading →

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. OPINIONS ARE MY OWN. Every year during the Christmas season, windows throughout Germany are lit with the soft lights of Schwibbogen. The Schwibbogen, or candle Christmas arches, reach back over 270 years to the silver mines of the Erzgebirge in Germany and they weren't actually directly connected to Christmas... Continue Reading →

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. OPINIONS ARE MY OWN. On November 11th, children throughout Germany celebrate St Martin's Day by parading with Lanterns, and enjoying a Stutenkerl. But what is a Stutenkerl? In the northern and western parts of Germany, you can find these little guys throughout every bakery in November. "Stuten" is a soft, slightly... Continue Reading →

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. OPINIONS ARE MY OWN. Growing up, counting down the days until Christmas with a traditional German Advent Calendar was as natural as brushing teeth before going to bed. It was just part of it. Something we always had in our home and in many ways it was the highlight... Continue Reading →

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. OPINIONS ARE MY OWN. Growing up St Martin's Day or Martinstag was always the highlight in November in Germany. During this special German holiday, the most beautiful lanterns are on display in store windows and for sale inside. But I think my favorite memory is making them by hand... Continue Reading →

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.  Let's talk pickle! I don't know how many times someone has asked me if my family or I hang a pickle in our tree during the Christmas time. Too many to count. It is supposed to be one of the 'old German traditions.' One that... Continue Reading →

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.  Late October/early November marks the time when I pull out all of my decorations, clean all the things that I will needs for the holidays. Things get pulled out of closets, drawers, nooks and crannies. And my Christmas tablecloths or Weihnachtstischdeckchen are no exceptions. If... Continue Reading →