Christmas Tales

Like clockwork, when the holiday spirits begin to glow my dad beings to tell of Christmas in Germany and what it's like. He tells of the magical Christmas markets with the sweet smells wafting over stands to tickle your nose, of the presents delicately unwrapped on Christmas Eve, and of the precarious tradition of real candles on the tree. With his stories, my dad passes on a little piece of our cultural heritage as German Americans, retelling those memories we've never had the chance to experience. While we've been to Germany many times to visit family and explore other European countries in the summer, we miss out on much of shapes the culture. As the much-awaited day slowly creeps closer on the calendar, CDs filled with German Christmas carols spin along, with merry children's voices singing "Oh Tannenbaum" -  "Oh Christmas Tree". Storytelling is a way to not only learn but also to bond, growing closer to the storyteller and the story alike. Germany and my family there hold a close place in my heart, and the Christmas traditions and stories told by my dad make me want to experience all the winter joy myself some day. Every year on the 6th of December (Nikolaus Tag or St. Nicholas Day), a shoe stands in front of the doors to our rooms, filled chocolate figures. Occasionally, orange peels are put in the oven to bake (not to eat), filling the entire house with a calming aroma. With all the stories of Germany and traditions my dad works so hard to share with us, he ensures we know more about our heritage and the language we speak every day at home.