Christmas is a sentimental time for most people. For me it is an extremely happy time because I can bask in the glow of warm memories. My recollections, however, may be quite different from those of my friends. My life began in the town of Trier, Germany (West Germany back then). I remained there until I was nearly 9 years old and am, therefore, able to remember quite a bit of my heritage. Today – Christmas Eve day – I am reminiscing and savoring memories of my sweet German ‘Mutti’ who made this time of the year such a blessed and special one.
ANGELS BAKING – we lived in a large apartment on the third floor of our building. One of our windows faced a mountain at the top of which stood a huge statue of the Blessed Mother. Around her head was a halo of lights that lit up at night. Since this window faced West, we also saw every sunset. As the burnished colors put on their display, Mutti would tell me that this glow came from the angel’s ovens as they baked birthday cookies for baby Jesus. The tantalizing scent of cookies baking in our own kitchen gave me the aroma to go along with her tale.
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ST. NICHOLAS – German children celebrate the feast of St. Nicholas on the eve of December 5th. The tradition comes from a real-life saint – a 4th-century Catholic bishop, in what is now Turkey, who did many kind deeds for his fellow man. On the evening of December 5th someone dressed as St. Nicholas would come to our door – dressed in his bishop’s finery and admonish us to be good. His devilish side-kick, with a bag of coal, would warn us of the consequences if we misbehaved. Then we would place shoes under our beds before going to sleep. In the night our parents filled them with small treats, fruit, and a small gift. Another variation involved specially decorated plates that were left out and filled with treats.
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When we came to the United States, we brought much of this tradition with us. We still use some of these practices to this day. Parts of American culture and the present times have also easily melded into our celebration. All in all, I am so very grateful that I was taught to respect the Reason for the Season and that this spirit has been passed down to my children and grandchildren!
In loving memory of my Mutti – Marie-Luise Atherton!