Christmas the German Way

by John Clarke

Germans know how to celebrate Christmas. Queen Victoria’s German born husband Prince Albert introduced the Christmas tree into England. There are so many Christmas carols and songs that originated in Germany. And for tourists in Europe in late autumn and winter the German Christmas markets are an irresistible attraction.

At the last meeting of the German speaking group Kaffee und Kuchen, the last for the year, members celebrated the coming of Christmas. The Christmas tree was there, and while the luncheon was not the typical German Christmas dinner of roast goose, potato dumplings and red cabbage, it was nonetheless typically German: Norddeutsche Platten. Popular in northern Germany, it consisted of open sandwiches with cheeses, meats, eggs and salad vegetables.

After eating and drinking well it was time for singing. With special guest Ute Schwarz providing a commentary and accompanying on the piano accordion the singing began, appropriately with Alle Jahre wieder (Every year once again). And then there were old favourites such as Es ist ein Ros’ entsprungen (translated as Lo, how a rose e’er blooming and a popular song in the English speaking world), its poet an anonymous genius of the late sixteenth century, and the late nineteenth century Leise rieselt der Schnee (Softly Falls the Snow).

The Barossa German Language Association’s own singing group Singkreis (Singing Circle) provided a two song bracket of popular songs: O Tannenbaum (translated as O Christmas Tree), based on a 16th century folk song, and the joyful children’s song Kling, Glöckchen (Ring, Little Bell), another 19th century song set to a traditional folk melody.

The singing concluded fittingly with O du fröhliche (O you joyful) and the most famous and beautiful of Christmas carols Stille Nacht (Silent Night).

Conversation continued over Kaffee und Kuchen (coffee and cakes).

From the refrain of O du fröhliche:

Freue dich, freue dich

Rejoice, rejoice, this Christmas time.