Fifteen years in a childhood paradise

We stood there, full of wonder and amazement, and sang:

Ihr Kinderlein kommet, oh kommet doch all, zur Krippe her kommet, in Bethlehems Stall, und seht was in dieser hoch heiligen Nacht der Vater im Himmel für Freude uns macht.

Oh come all ye children, oh come one and all, come near to the manger, in Bethlehem's stall, and see what the Father in heaven has done, on this holy night he brings joy to every one.

After singing all three verses, and looking at the nativity scene, and having been to church before, we knew why we were celebrating Christmas. Then we were allowed to turn our eyes towards the table where our presents lay, all unwrapped and beautifully arranged, Günter's on the left, mine on the right, and in the middle was the most beautiful gingerbread house, straight from the fairy tale of Hänsel and Gretel.

"This shirt is from Tante Margaret and Onkel Werner, and this teddy from Oma Hulm. Dieter, this book is for you from Tante Joni. It tells the story of the Ugly Duckling. And this wooden threshing machine is for both of you from us. You can put the engine in front of it, connect the wheels with the driving belt, and then all the wheels inside will also move."

"Can we play with it now?" "No, just wait a few more minutes, till we have seen our own presents, and those of Klärchen and Irene. Come over to our table now."

We had to wait, rather impatiently, till Vater and Mutter had seen all their presents. Then Klärchen and Irene were called, and after singing a carol again together, they were shown to their table. Only after every body had seen their gifts were we allowed to play with our presents. It was all so exciting!

We played till about 6.30 pm. Then Vater and Mutter called out: "Come on, we are going to Oma and Opa's now. You may take your favourite toy, but don't lose it."

We slipped into our overcoats and made for the manor house. The snow was reflecting the star light and we could see the way clearly, even without the moon.

At Oma and Opa's the Strykowoers were already there waiting for us. Their Christmas celebration had been held the day before, on the 23rd, as that was Onkel Werner's birthday. Then we all sat down for Christmas dinner. That year the main course was goose, the year before it had been fish, it could also be venison, if Vater had shot a deer. Fräulein Lina, Oma's cook, always prepared a wonderful meal, and to finish off, a lovely fruit trifle with meringues.

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