On the night of December 5th, my parents would fill our polished boots with small gifts such as chocolates, fruits, and nuts and leave them outside. The following day, Sankt Nikolaus—sometimes portrayed by a friend or neighbor in a bishop’s attire would arrive with treats in a bag. He was often accompanied by his helper Knecht Rupprecht or the frightening and hairy Krampus. Continue reading Sankt Nikolaus: A Bavarian Tradition and Tales
The people of Munich have their very own Christkindl or Christ child. Every year it is displayed for worship from the first day of Christmas until Epiphany Continue reading The Munich Christmas miracle
The Advent in Germany is the most magical and festive time. I remember the romantic historical Christkindlmarkets, the garland, lights and glittering Christmas trees, the Glühwein and Lebkuchen that makes a dreary season heart light up. Continue reading “Weihnachten” from my Childhood
There’s something magical about the scent of cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom wafting through the house in the days leading up to Christmas. For me, that magic was always wrapped up in one beloved tradition: baking German Spekulatius cookies with my mother and sisters. Spekulatius, or Speculoos in English, is a thin crispy spice cookie made of seasoned shortcrust pastry in the form of figurative representations. … Continue reading Crispy German Spice Cookies, the Spekulatius
