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"In der Weihnachtsbäckerei gibt es manche Leckerei zwischen Mehl und Milch macht so mancher Knilch eine riesengroße Kleckerei. In der Weihnachtsbäckerei."
(In the Christmas bakery/there are many treats/between flour and milk/some joker is making/a gigantic mess – In the Christmas bakery)
This catchy holiday tune is a favorite among German children during the holidays and reflects a long-held tradition of holiday cookie baking.
The Christmas season is a very special and magical time in Germany. People get into the Christmas spirit by strolling through illuminated streets and brilliantly decorated Christmas markets in nearly every town - both large and small. Homes and Tannenbäume (Christmas trees) are adorned with twinkle lights and families focus heavily on spending time with loved ones and friends.
Sharing in Tradition
During the whole Advent period, besides shopping for presents, families stress the importance of giving the most precious of all gifts: time. Time builds childhood memories that last forever. A great way to make the season memorable and spark a child’s imagination is by visiting a "Weihnachtsbäckerei," Christmas bakery. The Weihnachtsbäckerei plays a time-honored role for children both young and old. It is an occasion for children to gather with friends and family to participate in the merriment of traditional and seasonal baking. The Weihnachtsbäckerei can be found among the many stalls at Christmas markets and at local village bakeries across Germany. Village master bakers will even offer a Weihnachtsbäckerei program providing local children the opportunity to bake Christmas cookies under the supervision of trained masters of their profession.
Whether a family-run bakery or a hut at a Christmas market, children bake their own cookies at the Weihnachtsbäckerei. From rolling out the dough, cutting shapes and decorating cookies to their very own taste with a variety of icings, nuts, jams, various colored candies and, of course, lots and lots of snow. Or, what we unimaginative adults call powdered sugar. Once the ingredients of childhood imagination are complete the dough is popped in the oven for, what every child would describe as an eternity. As the timer finally rings, not a second too soon either, the delicious treats are ready to be devoured. Although there was surely a lot of nibbling going on in between, there will be plenty of cookies left to take home.
Hands-on booths for children
Some Christmas bakeries are considered all-around “hands-on” booths. In addition to cookie baking, these festive huts are a great stop for little ones to participate in simple holiday crafts such as Christmas card making and sand art. Other art booths expose children to more extensive hands-on trades such as candle-making, leatherwork and glass painting to name a few. Here, kids can explore their creativity while making unique Christmas gifts to take home. Not only will someone be the lucky recipient of a handmade gift, but more importantly these activities make memories and promote both physical and mental development.
It’s a special kind of magic that greets children during the Advent season in Germany. Taking part in the tasty tradition of cookie baking is sure to be an unforgettable experience for your kids while in Germany. Not to mention making new friends is so much easier when treats are involved!
Frohe Weihnachten!
