Monday, December 16, 2019

Winterfest



Last Saturday we had out Winterfest at the German Language School. Usually we have a Weihnachtsfeier (Christmas party), but this year we opted for something different, and I think we were quite successful in this new way of celebrating the season.

One of our board members loves to bake and she outdid herself in platters of cookies baked according to German Christmas cookies recipes. There were quite some of my favorites, especially the Vanillekipferl (left to the Haselnusskeksis). My mom used to make them every year. They are a bit tricky to make, but hers were always delicious. These ones tasted just like hers. I also love Zimtsterne which was another staple in my mom's home. Christstollen - or Weihnachtsstollen - is a typical Christmas baked good that is only eaten during the holiday season. I'm not a big fan, but I know that many love it. It is not easy to make, so we always bought ours.




My all-time favorite is gebrannte Mandeln - almonds roasted with sugar and cinnamon and best eaten while still warm. I don't think there is a single Christmas market in Germany without gebrannte Mandeln. Unfortunately they were placed right next to the popcorn machine (the only un-German item at our Winterfest) which threw a weird yellowish light onto the almonds.



Of course there was singing of some German Christmas carols, a few performances by the kids' classes and the little (and bigger) kids could decorate cookies. Please note that Ella's cookie here is already half eaten...



We had set up a few booths to have a Christmas market with an ornament exchange, ornaments and German books for sale and a silent auction. People were mingling, drinking hot chocolate and spiced cider and there were some old fashioned fun games for the children.


And of course Santa - or der Weihnachtsmann, as we say in Germany - came and brought a few goodies for the kids. There were also gifts for the teachers which was a lovely surprise. It was a wonderful little Winterfest and something we will definitely do again.





9 comments:

Elephant's Child said...

It looks and sounds absolutely delightful. I wish I could smell it too.
Huge thanks for reminding me that winter will come again.

David M. Gascoigne, said...

Looks like a really great Christmas party with more than enough calories to go around! It's good to keep the traditions of the old country alive and you must be thankful that there are enough German expats to foster this kind of community spirit. I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas - barely a week away now.

Michelle said...

This looks like such great fun. I adore those cookies. Much time and talent went into making them :)

Jeanie said...

this looks delightful and load and loads of fun. And very fattening but oh, so delicious! Everyone really seemed to work it all through well and I know everyone must have had the best time. I'm with you -- I'd adore the nuts!

Red Rose Alley said...

Oh, look at all these wonderful goodies! I just had some of the marzipanstollen from Trader Joe's, and it was so Yummy. The almonds roasted with sugar and cinnamon look so good. It sounds like you had a fun time at the Winterfest, and a sweet picture of Santa to remember the day.

It's almost Christmas! Have a wonderful week, Carola.

~Sheri

alexa said...

The biscuits look beautiful, and I recognise some of them from spending Christmas with my German in-laws. The children must have had a super time! Ah, the almonds with cinnamon! I ate these for one and only time in a Christmas market in Münich and they were delicious ... A lovely Christmas-y post :).

Barb said...

What fun and those treats look yummy! Happy Holidays to you and your Family Carola!

Lowcarb team member said...

It looks a wonderful Winterfest.
I did enjoy seeing your photographs …

All the best Jan

Magic Love Crow said...

What a fun time! That is a lot of yummy treats!