GIs influence on German Christmas
observance has profound effect
by Banns Neuerbourg
^^'RlAlNKjFUiRT, Germany (JP)
xihe Amenildan GI ds changing
some 'off the centuries-aid Christ
mias traditions in Germany.
Sani a Clans arrives in an
aitmy jeeip or helicopter. And,
with a Gl playing ihe role oif
Santa, he may Ibring along such
presents as a cowboy suit or a
coonsfcin aap.
Since the end of World War
II, American servicemen have
opened thedir mess ihalls and re
creation rooms to German or
phans and underprivileged
children for Christmas paries.
Some American units also play
host to refugees from the Bast. ..
Miliary polite units collect
and repair toys to give German
youngsters.
In turn, many German fam
ilies invite American service
men to spend the holiday with
them.
In West Germany, currently
enjoying ia boom, everyone ex
pects this Christmas will be
‘.he (best in many years.
Sentimentally, Christmas is
the years No. 1 event for Ger
man-speaking peiples. Many of
the Y'Uiletdde customs were or
iginated iby their ancestors. Re
pui.edly, it was in Germany
that the idea oif a Christmas
tree started.
The first 'holiday tree was re
corded iby 16th century histor
ians in Alsace, at the Mime a
part of the German empire. As
late as the 18(fch century, how
ever, the Christmas tree was
oiJttawed Sin some regions of
Germany as a heathern custom
Germany today exports many
trees to (foreign lands, includ
ing tropical spots like the West
Indies.
As for I he German younfger
A
JOYOUS
CHRISTMAS
The
Hobby
Shop
i
generation, Santa Claus makes
two visits. The first is Dec. 6,
known as St. Nikolaus Day.
On that occasion, children place
their shoes outside their doors
and St Nikolaus fiilils them with
candiies, cakes and (fruits. Some
times, if a child has been bad,
Santa also leaves a small whip
— a warning to the youngster
to mend his ways.
The second visit, on Christ
mas Eve, is the time for child
ren ijo receive toys and other
presents from Father Christ
mas (Weihnaehitsrnann) or the
Christ Child {Christkind). The
American custom of hanging
stockings on the fireplace is not
known in Germany. But, as else
Where, adhlts exchange pre
sents, too.
The Christmas holidays Dec.
24-26 are known as Weihnacht-!
en or sacred nights.
Germans observe Christmas I
day much as they always have.
They go to Church, open their
presents and have a big family '
dinner. Sometimes it is ,‘he only !
family reunion of the whole ;
year.
Use Sentinel Want Advts.
Want Advts. Bring Results.
The exchange of gifts is oar
.nied out tbeside the Christmas
tree on Christmas Eve or early
the following morning.
The traditional main dish an
dinner is goose hut some prefer
j carp. The meal usually includes cake filled wiith raisins, al
a loaf shaped, sugar-coated monds and candied lemon peel.
a joyous
chRJStmAS
. May the miracle of tha,
first Christmas
fill your home with happiness
Sitka Central Labor Council