5. December - Christmas in Germany

Being Swedish and German Nationals here in the studio of Ella & Otto we liked to introduce you to the way Christmas time is celebrated in our home countries. 
Lets start to introduce how Christmas is celebrated in Germany!
 Starting from the first Sunday in Advent, Christmas markets are put up allover Germany. 
You find your way there quite easily. Just follow the lights and scent of roasted chestnuts!
The markets are beaming with festive lights and the smell of delicious German specialties mixed with mulled vine can not be missed. You find stalls selling handmade Christmas decorations and crafts from the region. Some attractions for children are put up to entertain. It is a great place to meet after work or for a family out.

Germans love to decorate their homes. This will be done at the beginning of December. All kinds of fairy lights are hung up to make the dark nights brighter.

The Christmas trees are put up just before Christmas day - often in secret to surprise the young children and make their faces smile.

In most parts of Germany children write their Christmas list to the “Christkind” asking for presents. 
They leave the letters on the windowsill at the beginning or during Advent.

The Christkind is a sprite-like child, usually depicted with blond hair and angelic wings.

Children never see the Christkind in person, and parents tell them that Christkind will not come and bring presents if they are curious and try to spot it. The family enters the living room, where the Christmas tree has been put up, for the opening of presents when the parents say that they think that the Christkind who has brought the presents has now left again. In some traditions, the departure is announced by the ringing of a small bell, which the parents pretend to have heard or which is secretly done by one of the adults in the family.

The Christkind is facing increasing competition from the Weihnachtsmann in the American version of Santa Claus, caused by the use of Santa Claus as an advertising figure.
Saying that, there does exist a "Nikolaus" in Germany, someone who fills stockings with sweets & small presents on the 6th of December. But more to that tomorrow.....

Christmas Eve, the 24th of December is the main day when Germans exchange presents with their families. The 25th and 26th of December are bank holidays. Days of food and rest.

 

Frohliche Weihnachten!

4. December - Christmas Crafts for kids

 
The last weeks before Christmas are always the busiest in the entire year it seems. Parents are busy naturally but what can the little ones do?
We have come across some inspiring craft ideas and like to share them with you. 
Beautiful holiday decorations for years to keep or gifts for grandparents ... what ever the creation -  they will have fun to make them!

and some ideas for older kids

3. December - How to decorate a house for Christmas

We love this inviting wintry front door – Father Christmas will definitely stop here!

Even if snow is missing - this entrance brings you the spirit of Christmas.

For the few but lucky who have an open fire…decorate the mantle piece not only with your Christmas stockings but ornamental branches, berries, place some big cushions and throws in front of it and get cozy! Red and white the classical Christmas colors can be mixed & matched in checks, tartan, argyle, stripes and snowflakes – the more the merrier!

We love these friendly gnomes –

Santas Little Helpers enjoying a rest.

Beautiful Christmas Manger Scene

Maybe one of the angels will visit at night?

Well, we don’t mind who will fill these alternative Christmas stockings! The main part is that they should be full of presents, right?

Sleep  well and tight and dream of angels, gnomes and Santa who might visit overnight…

2. December - keep kids busy

We hope you had a lovely weekend and maybe celebrated the first Advent - maybe put your first fairy lights up or even a wreath? As we parents are continuously busy preparing and getting ready for Christmas we thought we help and keep your little ones busy with a clip art from our favourite friends Kitty and Frankie Fox!

Just download the image, print it and let them colour the pictures in!

We wish you lots of fun and if you like - send us your little ones art!

Wreaths

For the run up to Christmas a lot of people buy or make their own wreaths. Here we have chosen a few examples we like.

There are two different types:

 The Advent wreath is a Christian tradition. Every wreath has 4 or 5 candles. 

Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent (TODAY!) the first candle will be lit. 

When each candle is lit, Christmas is almost there!

And there is also the door wreath. 

There are different types of it. From flowers, leaves and moss over different sorts of fruit - everything is possible!

Take your time and create your own wreaths and you will see how Christmas is spreading in your home!

Ella & Otto Advent Calendar

 We love Christmas time!
For us, the run up to Christmas is special. All my children have an advent calendar each. The calendar is  made out of fabric with 24 pockets, which I fill with small gifts and sweets. One surprise per day - 24 in total - then it is Christmas eve!
Every morning my children run up to their calendar and look what the day brings them. The smile on their face is priceless! 

Therefore we thought we create an advent calendar for you. One surprise a day - starting from today until the 24th of December.

Enjoy with us....