Joyful! As a child we had a real tree with an angel on top. It was beautiful! Gaudy as all get out! Tinsel, garland, bulbs, and lit bulbs! Gorgeous! To each his own. Decorate with what you love and enjoy. It is those childhood memories that most of us hold dear. How ever and what ever you enjoy May peace and love find all of your homes. Belated Merry Christmas!
The paper chains and Christmas tree are so attractive with the music notes on them. When I was a child we would make them out of aluminum foil backed with typing paper for strength and we would also string popcorn. The popcorn would smell so good when it hit the warm lights. Love your decorations everywhere. Your home looks so beautiful.
When I was a child, we would pop a big bowl of popcorn then string the popcorn kernels on thread to create a garland for the tree. Of course, we had to have a big bowl because some get eaten! 😏
I am Pennsylvania German and I can remember my grandmother would set up a little animal corral around the base of her Christmas tree. She had toy-sized white fencing. And stick leg sheep were always part of that display. A manger scene would have been set up in that fence too. The display was called a Putz. In Bethlehem, PA there is a putz set up for the public to see, at least there used to be in the 1970s when I still lived in that area. Every time I see a stickleg sheep, no matter how battered, I think of her. We had a few stickleg sheep but one of my brothers must have been given to them by my Mom. I could still find some on eBay. I always make Christmas stollen, sweet yeast bread with candied fruit, raisins and nuts in it. I ice it with white icing and colored sugar. We also make fruitcakes in addition to the stollen. We have the Christmas pickle too, but my daughter came up with that one from a friend. It isn't Pennsylvania German with us...
I'll ask my Granddaughter to help make those trees, I have a house full of kittens, so no paper chains for me. Some yrs after my father-in-law passed my mother-in-law gave me all their ornaments, there was a bird in with those, she's 94 now so I'm certain that bird is easily 50 yrs old. We've had the advent calendar here in the States for as long as I can remember. We had a pyramid too when I was a kid, not sure whatever happened to it, my mom Loved it. When I was in 8th grade, many many, many yrs ago, we had a class called home economics, we learned to sew an apron, I'm guessing back then it was all about making us the best housewife ever =^/
🌲🌟🌲🌟🌲🌟🌲🌟🌲🌟🌲 What a beautiful, beautiful video So relaxing sharing your cosy home with you .. especially at this time of year. Lots of wonderful ideas for gifts and decorations ... Loved the birds The rooster looked so " chunky" And cute ! 😁 Hope you both enjoy the rest of your week .... can't wait for the next video. 💕 🌲🎅🌲🎅🌲🎅🌲🎅🌲🎅🌲
Swedish Lutherans and Catholics in my family have the advent wreath tradition. So lovely to see the Advent calendars too. We are all more alike than not! Beautiful home. Blessings.
m micheals We are German Lutherans and we always set up an Advent Wreath in our church, which we will be doing this weekend. I live in a small German farm community in Iowa. I should say, the original settlers were Germans but a lot of them are gone of course. A lot are younger generation but our town has a mixture of new immigrants and has worked out nicely but a lot of the original traditions will be lost for ever.
Your Christmas decorations look lovely....wherever we are in the world we can carry our traditions with us as part of our heritage it's good to see the mix of the English and German in your house
Just also thought you might find it interesting that the four candles represent the four virtues: The candles on the Advent wreath symbolize hope, love, joy and peace. The candles are lit in that order.
In Sweden we have an official Christmas Calender recorded and broadcasted by SVT, the Swedish television. It´s a big fuzz about it, and engage often the whole family. You buy the paper/cardboard calender at any regular every day shop, and so you follow the story on TV from 1 december to 24th. The story is often written by some famous author and includes a mystery of some kind to be solved by the children in the serie. Of course it all ends happily on Christmas Eve. It is an honor to be an actor in the calender and at quiz shows there are often question about the calenders back in the years. Best wishes to the both of you.
@@KirstenJoerg Maybe weekly when you post new videos you could show the lighted candles on the Advent wreath as we progress to Christmas. I visited Germany several years during the Christmas season and would thoroughly enjoy live trees and Advent wreaths in offices, stores and hotels (which are banned as safety hazards in the US). Lovely video; great crafts. Thank you.
Vivid Dreams - Love advent vlogs! But yes they do take additional planning in, time editing etc... K and J would have to start creating them right after summer holidays, just kidding 😉. This is lovely top, and as a newish follower there is so much to watch from the previous years still!
Love the trees. You can also roll up sheet music paper, tie with wide satin ribbons and display them in a straight sided glass container as table decor. Cut the paper to different heights....Especially nice for a musician's home or for choir parties.
I love the rooster! Great ideas and the advent calendar reminded me of when I was a little girl in the early 60s' I'd go walking with my mom in the forest at the end of our street with a brown paper bag for collecting pinecones, pine cuttings and whatever else looked interesting, bring them home, and she'd do her Christmas magic. There was always an advent wreath and the comment that went something like this...'you don't need a lot of money for Christmas, just some creativity and glue'.
When I was young, I would decorate the bedroom I shared with my sister by making a green paper chain and then shaping it into a Christmas tree on our bedroom door. Then we’d decorate that tree with strings of paper lights and other small ornaments we made out of bits of Christmas wrapping paper. I’ve since shared this fun with our nieces. And in a few years, I will share it with my twin grand babies. Making your decorations guarantees a day of creativity, togetherness, and fun...not to mention wonderful memories that can be shared across the generations. Thank you for this video! It brought back such lovely memories! 🥰 from Courtney
Love the mushroom ornament and your nativity scene in the candle arch! We celebrate Advent at church. Each week, a couple gets up and reads a devotion prepared by our pastor and lights a candle that is fastened into a tall white metal stand. Last year, we discovered the box that held our Christmas ornaments had a hole in it from either cracking from the weather or a mouse chewed through the box, and since the warmer weather here in Missouri is very humid, some of the ornaments molded from the water vapor that entered the box. I was just sick when I discovered that many of the ornaments that we had picked up on vacation for years and made by hand, some that our son had made at school growing up were ruined and I had to throw them out. It's good that you have these videos to remember your lovely Christmas decorations.
The Advent Wreath - reminds me of a children's programme called Blue Peter. Every year they made a hanging decoration to hold four candles for the four weeks before Christmas. Obviously, not as luxurious as yours!
You brought me back to my childhood today! We used to make this kinds of garlands in the kindergarten and the small grades in school. Also during communism there was nothing much in shops, so you had to DIY most of the time. In Bulgaria we also give gifts on 24th, after the special dinner (at least in my family it always been like that) . But during the communism Christmas was forbiden and officially gifts were given on New Year's eve with "Grandpa Frost". 😄 Most people were celebrating at home though. So kids will get 2 times gifts 😄 24th was and still is family dinner and on 25th it's extended family and friends time, big lunches, dinners, visits... Also on 25th, people with the Christ in their name (Kristina, Hristo etc) will celebrate their name day- so party time with gifts once again! We never had advent calendars though... Didn't know they exist till some years ago. Your crafts and Xmas decorations are beautiful! Have a very cosy Christmas season time! ❤️
Oh, the paper chains! We used to do new ones every year and fill our room with those as children. Sometimes we used the wrapping papers of the previous years presents. It was lovely to remember all the present as we were making the chains.. Frohe Adventszeit!
This little Kansas farm girl made the paper chains for our field fir tree we cut from the timber. We also strung popcorn for the tree then hung it out after Christmas fir the birds to eat! W detail activity and memory. Love the triangle music tree. We made trees out of the old readers digest magazines by folding the corners of each page and gluing covers together to form.
Thank you so much! I lived in Germany for a year. In Darmstadt, and I took my Christmas pickles for my tree with me from America. My family is Dutch, German, English, Scottish, and Italian... and our Christmas very German! Christmas Eve is our big day. I also always have my Dutch wooden shoes full of German candy every year!
Thank you so much, Kirsten and Joerg for the lovely video you made. The German candle arch is delightful, so are the chain and Christmas trees you made of music notes paper. All your ornaments are very tastefully selected.
What a sweet video! Beautiful DIY. Just discovered my boyfriend grew up with an Advent wreath (parents were from Germany) As children, the candle would be lit on Sunday and they would sit around it and get Christmas cookies and sing Christmas songs Advent calendars with chocolates seem to be everywhere in Canada How nice that you each have your own..no fighting over who’s turn it is! Another great video and take care 🇨🇦 🎄
Remember making Christmas paper chains at school ,it was very enjoyable with the other children .good teamwork .loved seeing you both making your Christmas decorations. They are so good .take care both of you .🙂🌲🌲🦌🦌🎄
You have inspired me to decorate! I've been super depressed under lock down and not in the mood, but I'm getting twinges! Your decorations are lovely! Especially the window one! Didn't catch the name , but the cut-out nativity with the lights is beautiful!
I could have purchased 100's of the twirling, candle lit, wooden merry go round (not sure), when I lived outside if Solvang (a Danish community in California), but I didn't appreciate their beauty at the time. Now, I see how beautiful and symbolic they are. I will have to look for a few! All of the items you shared today were simply precious and I shall remember this video for years to come! USA
My parents went to Solvang on one of their vacations years ago. My mother bought “ wooden shoes” sterling silver earrings for me. They are cute and I still wear them.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful video, again! You have the most beautiful, cozy, timeless, classic taste. I am SO Thankful that you two are a part of my life with your beautiful ways! You are hot cocoa and a wood fire on a snowy night! Love from the Rocky Mountains.
When my daughter was young when I gave her an advent calendar with the chocolate I’d have to keep an eye on it so she wouldn’t open up all the doors and eat all at once.😂
You’re such an adorable couple! ......your videos are so lovely to watch......you have beautiful taste and the bird ornaments are beautiful ......Thank you for sharing x😊🎄
Old music books would work as well. My granddaughter loves using construction paper because of all the "colours of the rainbow". Such a sweet video...just love you both.
Good evening ! We still have such birds , my grandmother bought 3 boxes of Christmas tree ornaments in 60 s , made in Germany . All of the ornaments are alive let's say :) but the paint sheds :(
You two are the epitome of cozy! I love your beautiful German ornaments and the DIY crafts. Thank you again for sharing with us your special ways of celebrating the Holidays 😍
My family the Schwaglers ate from Hamberg Germany. They came to America in the early 1900s. We are a tough outspoken group. My grandfather was a Hugh man 6'3 270 pounds and would fight anyone that passed him off. We all loved swimming and beer! Anyway, my grandparents and parents have all passed, so I got my fix watching you lovebirds!
I remember the advent wreath from grade school. Each morning all grades would file into the hall and we’d light a candle, one the first week, two candles the second week and so on. The candles were white except the fourth candle was pink. We’d say morning prayers and sing Christmas carols. I loved everything about it. I have an advent calendar that is getting quite old. It’ has little paper doors you open for each day of advent beginning December 1st. Behind each door is a special picture for that day. The last day has a picture of the Christ child. I love it as well. Thank you for sharing your traditions and reminding me of my own. THAT ROOSTER IS REALLY BEAUTIFUL.
Lovely and fun as always. Growing up in Nebraska, but not of German descent, we had advent candles, advent calendars, and homemade decorations. We didn’t have store bought tree decorations until I was a teenager. We always made our own. That was in the late ‘60’s and early ‘70’s. We had little money but lots of love. Merry Christmas to all of you reading this. May love and kindness be your guide. Blessings, Mary
I just totally love you guys always a smile on my face when I see your videos. There is something so charming about you and your mannerisms a lovely couple. Oh yes really like the decorations too. Love and best wishes from Scotland x
Delighted to see you both today...I love to see your traditional German Christmas things...especially the rooster & mushroom for the tree...the music paper chains & the trees are so unique.....the German decorations are exquisite ...thanks for sharing💗🙂🎄
I had the bird like that in my childhood! I remember, my granddad put it on the x-mas tree and smiled. You make me smile today as he did. Thanks a lot for this video!!!
Back in the 1980's our class was called Home Ec...short for Home Economics. It was either split into cooking for one semester and home management (as in budgeting/finances) the other semester...or sewing and home management. I chose the cooking version, but now wish I had taken the sewing class. Our teacher was Mrs. Walls...she was a big lady in height and weight and we adored her. We all called her Grandma Walls. Special memories during a simpler time. Love the music sheet paper chain... I will have to make them and hang them up around the piano. 🎄🎄🎄
Thank you for sharing this delightful video! We have the beautiful Scenes carved from wood here in USA and love them. I also like traditional red, white and green for Christmas and will make an advent wreath like yours this year and little trees, too. Looking forward to your next video as usual!
It's good to see you too are in from the cold and settled well where you're at! May the wind always be at the back and the sun lighting upon your path :-)
Living in England, I always buy German advent calendars because they are the most beautiful & detailed. I thought they stopped at day 24 because the makers think we would be too busy on the 25th to open a door. I’m very glad to learn the real reason is in Germany you open presents on Xmas Eve. You are both putting back the magic into Advent & Xmas in this difficult year. Love you both 😘
You too really know how to have a fun time. I love making things for Xmas. It,s my favorite time of year. The Xmas ornaments are really pretty. I love the bird. May you have a merry Xmas. Love you to 💞. Your beautiful and amazing people. God bless you and yours.
I don't know which is sweeter, the both of you or the decorations. You are very good at teaching it simply without dragging it out with blaring music. I love the calmness of your vlogs, bless you both xx
Of course, we liked your video! We love you two. Always with your beautiful kind smile Kirsten and following you and Jeorg's lovely adventures. Enjoy your holidays together and I wish us all a healthy, happy and God-blessed New Year. (Edited for spelling errors ;)
Lovely decorations!! 😍 You can easily find music scores/sheets on internet for free, you can print them on any paper or even age them with tea perhaps. What I would please ask even beg everyone is not get music sheets specially old ones and cut them up to make DIY decorations or whatever.. It breaks my heart 💔💔. I know it sounds silly but my daughter is a musician we're very used to having them at home, there is so much into them. The same happens to me with books. I keep the tradition of the advent calendar. I used to have them as a child and my daughter has had them always too. But I prefer the ones with windows that have got a picture behind them. I'm so sorry you can't go to Germany for Xmas hopefully it'll all be over soon 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼. Take care xxx
I love the birds! I had 6 doves that were (are) white sparkle. Both of my children wanted the birds, like they both want the china. So I split the set and we all have2. Now everyone is happy. Not sure what I will do about the china. She thinks it should be hers as it was my mother's then mine. Which would be the usual way. However, my son found extra pieces like butter dish, goblets, serving dishes, etc, and gave them to me every Mothers Day for over a decade and he truly loves the set and his connection up the line. He also has a pickle on the tree every year and when he married, I sent it home with him.
YES never too old for an advent calender. I always get one every year. 😇❤️❤️❤️ And so many beautiful decoration elements from Germany. We really have some wonderful traditions here. 😍
This was delightful, Kirsten and Joerg! Lovely homemade and bought decorations, plus all the beautiful German ornaments and advent calendars, of which, I have never seen prettier ones. Thank-you for sharing! Stay well and safe!
That was a lovley video the chains are great remember making them with coloured crepe paper with my brother and four of us sisters as far back as 1951. Love the trees also i might try that. The advent calender of the nutcracker is lovley and oh the marzipan. Thank you for showing us your lovley decorations.take care.
I miss florists shops - the scent of the flowers was divine. They were in every high street once upon a time, certainly when and where I grew up (London, 60s/70s). I think their demise began when supermarkets started to sell flowers. Love you, K and J!
Yes, hard to find them here in the countryside. Luckily in Germany they are everywhere, even in the smallest village which is nice. They are important as people also buy fresh flowers when they visit the cemetery.
Memory lane, we made different coloured paper chains as children in the fifties. On Christmas Eve my mum and dad would be so busy. We would go to the market first to buy our tree, turkey fruit and veg then when we arrived home us six kids would make the paper chains and help decorate the tree, was precious, while mum started to make the mince pies and sausage rolls. Kirsten and jeorge, what a lovely idea in sharing this with us, I expect us oldies will be remembering. Thank you so much. And I love the trees Jeorge and the advent wreath, we have a similar Christmas wreath in the Church of England. 💝🎉🎁🍷🎄🌹
Hi Kirsten and Joerg. This was a lovely video. The tree ornaments and home made paper chains and trees and also both of the lovely wooden decorations were so beautiful. Your home looks so cosy and pretty. Thank you xx🎄🍄
Home economics is what is called in the US! I positively loved those classes and 60 years later I still utilize those skills and make some of the recipes. I loved your paper chain project. They are so fun to make and can be changed up with different papers. Fun, fun, fun ❤️❣️
Thank you for sharing your beautiful xmas decorations! My neice and I made a paper chain 6 or 7 years ago and she is so surprised that we get it out every year lol. We made it out of red and white paper. I will have to make your style of paper trees with her this year :-). Enjoy your holiday and all the days leading up to christmas. It's such a special time of year, the anticipation is half the fun. We celebrate on Christmas eve as well. Happy Holidays, please stay safe and stay healthy.
I took 2 years of German in high school. I can remember how to count, how to ash how you are, how to ask for food and water, and a few other basic phrases.......I think I need to go live with you for a bit...just to refresh my memory ❤️ Guten Nacht!
Ooo, now I want to make a chain, but with my wire edged Christmas ribbon! It will take longer as I will have to hand sew a bit, but it will last and be ready for next year as well!
Kirsten yug a lovely video loved your German Christmas decorations in the catholic church Advent reef will be at the altar and every Sunday a candle would be light and they are different colours beautiful I will get my one out and use the battery candles from Sunday thank you and bless you both 🙏🎄
Yep, Home Economics. Pre-1980s, home ec was for girls, shop for boys. Shop included woodworking, leather craft, etc. We girls in the 1960s did sewing and cooking in home ec. In 9th grade as 15 year olds we made a complete dress with bodice and gathered skirt in plain or printed cotton fabric. As a 9th grader I won the home ec award (my Mom had taught me to sew in 4-H club (an org mostly for farm boys and girls or any teen interested in home skills and animal husbandry). When I was an art teacher in the 1970s both boys AND girls took both home ec and shop in middle school (grades 6-8, ages 11-13). They did some cooking and also sewed stuffed animals. Paper chains are made by school children in the US, mostly made of stapled or glued construction paper in different colors. Easy and pretty and kids love to watch their chains lengthen the more pieces they add. They drape them on the Christmas tree or around doorways. We also learned how to construct multi-sided forms like dodecahedrons. We would cut up old Christmas cards to cover each sided shape and then install a ribbon. These made pretty tree ornaments. Of course we cut up white construction paper or metallic paper to make very elaborate snowflakes to tape to windows for a pretty display. I used to LOVE all those Christmas crafts as a kid. My Dad worked for a paper company so we always had lots of paper sample books of large sheets of nifty papers with all kinds of weights and surfaces. We'd get those out, our scissors, rulers, rubber cement and crayons and make lots and lots of Christmas things. We also spray painted teasle and milkweed pod stems with gold or silver spray paint, or fake snow, to add to Christmas floral displays.
I live in the US and have always heard of a Christmas pickle although we never had one growing up. I think there’s some good luck for the one who first finds it on the tree. Your ornaments and decorations are all so beautiful! Thank you for the lovely diys. You two are the sweetest!
I know, it's funny as it's not a German tradition at all. It was introduced to the US many many years ago as a marketing trick making people believe we would do this in Germany so they could sell pickles for the trees. Nobody in Germany knows anything about it though.
We always had chocolate advent calendars for our children and now our daughter is keeping up the tradition with her children. They have fabric ones with little pockets for each day and she tucks a little treat in the pocket every day for them. Her husband's family is German and they open presents with them on Christmas Eve and then come to us for Christmas Day! I so enjoy your videos, they are very uplifting and joyful. Thank you for sharing your lovely traditions with us!
The English equivalent at school was Domestic Science in my day , not sure what they teach now ( I’m 64 and have a German Grandmother 😀) Love your videos ❤️
