The Beauty of Tradition is a wonderful topic to contribute to during the Christmas season. Although Jesus warns us not to hold on to traditions of men (Mark 7:8), I have fond memories of celebrating Christ’s birth as a child. As I mentioned before in my post Weihnachten vs Christmas, there was never a question that Christmas was about celebrating the arrival of our Redeemer.
I miss the traditions we had at home some years more than others. Although now having my own family, we really never established our own ‘traditions’ at Christmas. Mostly I think it is because my husband’s and my background are a little different, due to the fact that Germans focus their celebration more on Christmas Eve than on Christmas Day.
When I was a child, our parents bought the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve morning (not a day before that); we decorated the tree as a family at noon. I even remember that we used real candles until our son was born in 1985. Than my dad thought it was too dangerous to have a Christmas tree with real candles with a little baby around. I didn’t think so, but who was I to argue with my dad. He was a wonderful, God-fearing man and I miss him and his guidance greatly (he passed away at the age of 52). Sorry I got sidetracked there, but I looked up to my dad and even to this day it makes me sad that I didn’t had the opportunity to thank him for my up-bringing – *sigh*…
Okay, back to Christmas Eve. After we decorated the tree, we had quiet time. Everyone retreated to their rooms. At 5 O’clock, we got ready to attend the 6 O’clock service at our church. After the service we had a light supper; a traditional meal which consisted of Wiener Wuerstchen and German Potato salad (family recipe) and can be traced all the way back to my great-great grandparents. Ah, what a wonderful memory. This is one of the traditions I carried on; I do prepare the same meal almost every Christmas here in Arizona for the past 14 years (sometimes I just don’t have the time to drive into Phoenix to get the Wiener Wuerstchen). After we had our meal, we exchanged Christmas gifts.
I think what I liked about Christmas as a child was, that it was more about Christ and spending quality time with the family, than exchanging extravagant gifts. The gifts came from the heart and were chosen carefully.
That brings me back to God’s greatest gift to mankind. He sent His son to be our Savior and our Redeemer. God choose the gift from His heart to ours. So, do remember this Christmas (no matter what you or your family traditions are):
“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11 NIV)
Beautiful traditions, shared beautifully! I must ask — is the German potato salad a SECRET recipe, or will you share it?? I adore German potato salad, but of course it has to be “real” German potato salad. 🙂 There is a little restaurant in a mall where my parents live in PA called Dunderbach’s. Eric and I love to go there when we are visiting, and have some bratwurst or other “dog-type” thingie, and I always get the German potato salad along the side.
Eric studied German for years, but he has lost most of what he knew. His beloved Oma, who came over here at the age of 17, spoke with a rich German accent her whole life. She was very precious to him. He fondly recalls her “Schlaf gut” (with her teeth out!) when she tucked him in at night. And he tells me that she was a WONDERFUL cook.
Goodness, I went on a bit! I really love what you wrote here…methinks it’s made me nostalgic or something!
Jill, I am glad you enjoyed the post – it was fun writing it…
I will email you the recipe later this afternoon…
Thank you — how exciting! I will treasure it. :o)
Very nice traditions. I also posted about Christmas Traditions. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas.
Mike
Lovely post! I think I’m going to try to do this carnival too…
Say, did you know that I also am German? (about 50% that is) Almost the entirety of my Dad’s side is German. The family lineage has been traced back to some landowners…(yeah, whatever). The main family name is Rader – though that wasn’t my maiden name.
Nope – didn’t know that you are part German. How cool – we really do have to meet for Mocha soon :)…If I am ever in your neigborhood, I’ll look you up if you don’t mind…
Hi!
I found your blog by way of Blestwithsons, who is just so wonderful, is she not?
I loved reading your family traditions. I am also half German with the family name Schlotzhauer. However, I think when the family got here a few generations ago, they left all that was specifically German about their family culture behind. Not even my grandfather has any memories of doing anything “German”, if you know what I mean. Or even eating anything German=)
I have always envied families who keep their cultural roots going, to share with the later generations. We got nothin’, as far as I can tell.
Anyway, it was a pleasure reading.
Thanks Laura for stopping by. Yep – Blest is truly a great treasure and I am glad to ‘know’ her, even if it is just through blogging.
My fairly new wife (18 months so far) and I have spent a couple of Christmases together, and it will be interesting to see what traditions develop over time. Some will carry over from our past lives, others will be formed in time.
You know, when I posted this I thought that my Sweetheart & I never established any traditions. But when I read Blest With Sons today, we actually have. Coffee & hot rolls before we open the presents on Christmas morning. 🙂
I am sure you will develop them over time 🙂
Thank you for sharing Iris, I enjoyed this…..the Carnival of Beauty is exciting to be a part of ….I got my submission in on time this week…God Bless You!!!
Great post! What great memories you have.. your Dad sounds like a wonderful fella and this post is a nice little tribute to him. My Dad is 52, now…
Thank you Donna for stopping by. Yeah, I already read two entries. I saw your name and was thrilled – see you soon at your blog :).
Yes PM – he was a great man. Hold your parents close to your heart and tell them as often as you can that you love them. I should have done it more often.
What a beautiful story! I loved hearing about your German Christmas traditions, and how you continue a few things at your home in Arizona. I’ve never seen a Christmas tree with live candles on the branches — it sounds so lovely.
I’m glad I discovered your blog — what a fun place to browse around. I enjoyed reading the article about Santa Claus you linked to on Dec. 6th. I never knew about Coca-Cola’s role in popularizing the modern character of Santa — I’ll definitely share this with my readers — so interesting. THANKS, and God bless!
Though my family is NOT German, we celebrated with gifts on Christmas Eve as well.
And I fondly remember my mother’s embellishments on Christmas traditions she carried through to us: especially reciting the Christmas story from memory before any gifts were opened and taking turns opening the gifts one at a time to savor the thought behind each one…
What IS that Wiener-W-something? We inherited a wonderful german potato salad from my sister in law, and always like to experiment with different accompaniments to the Main Dish (the potato salad, of course!)
I am glad you are doing the Carnival. I found you through TTL.
We lived in Germany for 4 years, I love the Christmas season in Germany.
The Christmas Markets, the lights, the gluhwine, potato pancakes…
Thanks you ladies for stopping by. I am thrilled that you enjoyed this post.
Actually I just found a store that sells ‘Augsburger Gluehwein’ – hm. If it were cold here, I guess I would get one, just for memories sake…
Hey, I loved hearing about the wonderful warm traditions of your childhood. What a gift to those around you, that you can share!
Thanks Kathie for stopping by…
I am glad you enjoyed the post! Have a Merry Christmas.