Christmastime in Germany: The Weihnachtsmann

A year ago, I was an English Language Assistant at a German school, just west of the Dutch border in a town called Mönchengladbach.
I remember the festive spirit at school: On December 6th, Nicholaustag, the Weihnachtsmann (Father Christmas) made an appearance. I felt privileged to creep into one Year Five class to watch him read out a special letter to the pupils: each teacher prepared a thoughtful letter about how the children had settled into their new school. The Weihnachtsmann’s sack contained a chocolate Santa for each child – the looks of joy and surprise on the children’s faces took me back in time to my own Christmas excitement as a child.

In the lead up to Christmas, I enjoyed learning some typical German songs with a local choir – even if the pronunciation admittedly proved a challenge... I was even invited to the choir’s “Weichnachtsfeier” – surprise Christmas party! I was given a vague address of the meeting-point, which was where two roads met. With trusty Google Maps, I managed to arrive at the mysterious festive gathering on time… but nobody I knew was in sight.  
I waited and waited, feeling anxious by this point: where could everyone be?!

​But before long, familiar faces appeared. A couple of choir members brought a table onto the pavement, and a dancing, singing electric Father Christmas toy joined us in the darkness. Someone poured out the Glühwein (delicious mulled wine), and we began to sing together whilst waiting for everyone else to arrive.

They led us into a mysterious place… through a garage full of beautiful vintage cars and campervans, which had been converted into an American-themed diner. I was mesmerised. 
​It seemed that everyone enjoyed the evening – it was the combination of great music, food, and company. Towards the end of the night, the Weihnachtsmann prepared to say a few closing words.

What I was least expecting, though, was the following question: “and who is new in the choir this year…?”
The garage fell silent, and everyone pointed at me. I had no choice but to nervously walk up to the front, where I was hugged by Father Christmas. Blushing, I was both touched and in shock, to the extent that I couldn’t find any German words to answer his so-called “easy” question: “Grace, can you tell us a random fact about yourself?”
The only fact that came to mind, after a long pause, was that this was to be an unforgettable advent for me - warmly welcomed by new friends into a new place.

Merry Christmas to all readers of The Definite Article - see you in 2018 for even more Year Abroad stories and support!

​Written by
​Grace Bentham