Lametta

Lametta is a Christmas decoration found in German homes and in particular on Christmas trees. Similar to tinsel, it is hung over the branches to simulate icicles.

Originally it was made from a substance called “Stanniol”, which is Tin (Sn) flattened to make it into a foil.

To add weight to the Lametta, lead or even silver were added. Often this meant that it was used on New Year’s Eve for Bleigießen. However, modern Lametta is often made of plastic.

To hear a simple explanation and to find out what the number 90/10 has to do with Lametta, listen to the podcast:

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Der Weihnachtsmann

The Weihnachtsmann has an unusual roll to play in German Christmas celebrations. In some parts of Germany, mainly in the North, he is said to bring the presents to the children on Christmas Eve. In much of Germany and especially in the South this is the job of the Christkind.

The confusion seems to have come about because of the different way that the protestant and catholic religions celebrated Christmas in the past.

The Weihnachtsmann is generally portrayed in a way that Father Christmas or Santa Claus is in other countries with a red and white gown and riding behind reindeer. Except that children do not leave out stockings for their presents – they do that with their boots for Nikolaus.

And whilst most films and even locally made television programmes will talk about the Weihnachtsmann, children are more usually asked “what did the Christkind bring you for Christmas”.

With the North/South divide making it easily possible for families to mix both traditions, adding a foreign element when other nationalities are involved just adds to the chaos!

To hear a simple explanation and a short discussion in German, listen to the podcast:

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Christmas Pudding

Der Christmaspudding ist eine Art Kuchen, der jedoch sehr fest ist. Er wird auch nicht im Backofen gebacken, sondern im Wasserbad einige Stunden gedämpft. Wie der Name schon sagt ist es ein Weihnachtsgericht, das am 25.12. als Dessert gegessen wird.

Einer alten Tradition zufolge wird der “Teig” für den Christmaspudding nach dem Gottesdienst am Sonntag vor dem 1. Advent zubereitet und jedes Familienmitglied rührt einmal um und wünscht sich etwas dabei. Ich finde das hat Ähnlichkeit mit dem Plätzchen backen in Deutschland und ist eine schöne Tradition.

Aus was besteht denn so ein Christmaspudding? Er hat viele verschiedene Zutaten, unter anderem zum Beispiel verschiedene Trockenfrüchte, Mehl, Semmelbrösel, Eier, optional versch. Schnäpse, Rindernierenfett (oder auch Schweineschmalz), Milch, weihnachtliche Gewürze wie Zimt, Nelken, Muskat Ingwer, Nüsse und Zucker. Nachdem man alles zu einem Teig verarbeitet hat wird dieser in eine Form gegeben und im Wasserbad gedämpft. Anschließend wird er an einen kühlen Ort gestellt bis es Weihnachten ist.

Vor dem Verzehr wird der Christmaspudding erhitzt, mit Brandy übergossen und flambiert. Dazu wird entweder Custard, Vanillesoße oder ähnliches gegessen.

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