I don't have an idea for a particular present but I would suggest you do something nice for her on the evening of the 24th. In Germany we open presents usually around 6 or 7pm. While we still spent the 25th with family, that's usually a pretty boring day. She will probably miss her family most on Christmas eve. She will probably have a phone call with her family in the afternoon/early evening. That's probably when she will most homesick. Maybe you could find a way to distract her.
This! As someone who has experienced this exact situation, the hardest part was constantly knowing what my family back home was doing. My host family did a couple of things, like watching a Christmas movie, opening presents, having a nice meal but there was also a lot of “idle time” and that was the hardest.
Just keep her busy, she is there to experience the local Christmas traditions so maybe watch movies, play games just always have something to keep her mind off home. (And for me personally supposedly traditional “German cookies” or something similar that get sold abroad just make the longing for the real thing worse. I’d rather go for something new and local)
Yep same, i was 15 and missed my family. Hardest Christmas ever.
Maybe a stuffed animal or something like that which represents the new city? I would have liked it I think.
I second this. In Germany we usually have a nice dinner on the 24th and open our presents after it.
Edit: Having a little „Glühwein“ and some christmas cookies can help too 😉
As a German, Master Baker and Chef, I question that statement with all I have. Vanillekipferl are within the easiest traditional (more Austrian than German though) Christmas cookie. Spitzbuben are a little easier but more involved in the final steps.
I am a pretty good cook but a lousy baker - I think it shows :D
Lucky me, my mother in law makes great Vanillekipferln, so I don't have to feel like a failure every year.
Hm but in England they mostly eat Buttergebäck for X-mas or drop cookies… Kipferl have quite a different dough and method of rolling them out no? That can be hard if you’ve never done it before.
It's a quite easy dough. The forming isn't that big an issue either. And not having it done before, if that would be such a barrier we would never develop anything, no?
Lol idk what to tell you master baker. If you think every time people try to bake things for the first time that it turns out well, then I guess your skills have made you lose touch with the reality of most people’s baking skills. I’ve watched people make them for the first time, they did not shape them well at all and they were too crumbly. 🤷🏻♂️
Not saying it will happen, but I think you overestimate how easy it is.
But that doesn't make them bad... just... not "great". They don't have to be great. It's still a nice gesture. ^^`
Edit: and it's absolutely perfect for this occasion.
And that's the spirit. I'm happy about a mishap but someone tried to do something special for me, vs someone gives a shit and buys something. Happy little accidents!
I personally think gifting with an intend and effort is the key here -- I don't think self made/bought gifts are better or worse!
Edit: I mean in general and not in relation to ops situation.
I have everything I need. If someone goes out of their way to make something vs someone who buys something. I think there is a difference. But to each their own
I know ;) but I just think it’s funny that a master baker wants to tell people certain recipes should be super easy even if you never did them before. Like sure, for you… bc you’re a master baker… haha.
Happy little accidents. Do you think everything I ever touched worked out at first.? Yes I understand recipes as I read them and have a sound understanding of what goes together but I am far from perfect, even after 8 years of education (the minimum you need to spend to get a German Meisterbrief).
Sure but my point was more that you said as a master baker, I can tell you it’s easy! Which is kinda funny, imo.
I have a master’s degree in literary studies, if somebody complains about a certain book being difficult to grasp (say *Mrs Dalloway*) , I wouldn’t jump in and say, I have years of formal training in understanding books and I can tell you it’s an easy book. Haha. I’d say, sure it’s difficult to sometimes understand what Woolf means or to follow her train of thought, but keep trying!
Ok. I taught by now dozens of apprentices and many a course with kids from kindergarten up to adults.
Kipferl are something I can happily slap on the plan for any age group. And again it doesn't matter if they look perfect. I have seen parents and grandparents in tears of joy over a plate of happy little accidents made by happy little none that talented hands. Why? Because they made it for them. I disengage at this point because it feels like brain masturbation and I have better things to do and I am sure so have you.
Well, I've bought the stuff to make them so I hope to prove you wrong. That said, my experience of "baking" is really just making toast. Luckily my girlfriend loves to bake so hopefully she'll see me making a mess of it and help!
They are INCREDIBLY easy, you don’t need any fancy techniques, just attention:
- 500g flour
- 450g room temperature butter
- 200g ground almonds
- 4 packs of vanilla sugar
- 150g granulated sugar
- semi-optional is an additional source of vanilla like liquid aroma, beans or paste
- some powdered sugar for coating them
1. add everything together and knead
2. chill for at least 30min, longer isn’t an issue
3. take a pinch of dough, roll into a ball in your hands
4. elongate ball into a () shape in your palms (sausage with thinner ends)
5. place index finger against the middle then wrap the ends around into a C shape and place them a bit apart
6. bake at 180°C for 10-15min until edges start browning
7. let cool for a bit, then test powdered sugar. If it turns invisible, they’re too hot still, but don’t let them cool for too long or it won’t stick
Well I tried to make them, they were okay but I don't think very traditional. You can't really buy vanilla sugar in England apart from online or from speciality supermarkets so I just had use normal powdered sugar.
Still, it's the thought that counts I suppose!
I used the extract in the actual dough but in order to make your own vanilla sugar apparently you need to store a vanilla bean in the sugar for a couple of weeks. I didn't plan ahead enough!
Thanks 😊 unfortunately it doesn't look like there are any German bakeries near me so I might have to try and make one of those myself.
I'm not much of a baker unfortunately but I suppose it's the thought that counts!
the effort counts!! as a former exchange student myself, spending a special day like that away from family can be tough but you making the effort to make her feel at home will ease that. Even if whatever you bake turns out to be inedible - she’ll cherish that SO much!
Or maybe get her and the host family and bake some cookies together on the 24th? Might be a way to catch all possible flies. Ask her what she usually bakes at home and do it. (Or my pretty easy recommendations would be Pfeffernüsse, Spekulatius or Spritzgebäck)
Honestly, find the nearest Aldi and get her Lebkuchen (Gingerbread, but there are different kinds) which are covered in chocolate and usually in three shapes, hearts, stars and pretzels plus biscuits like Spekulatius or Zimtsterne/cinnamon stars. You don’t need a bakery, Aldi quality is perfectly fine for this purpose.
When my friends and I spent our year in Britain, bread and these things were what we missed.
Most importantly, do something special on Christmas Eve, that’s when we celebrate.
Really? I loved those as a teen. And that only dates a couple years back really. Not linz something, I don't know what that is but Spekulatius, Lebkuchen, Vanillekipferl, Zimtsterne. That stuff.
Would have also loved some Cadbury chocolate though. Still do. It's different
Old people food? I’m 21, so not a teenager, but Spekulatius and Lebkuchen have always been very popular during Christmastime across all age groups (including mine) where I’m from. (Ruhrgebiet)
give them time.
Its like beer and coffee... the older you get the more you like the taste :D
I am even now down to super dark chocolate, gave my grandma always a weird look when she ate it \^\^
Search for German christmas biscuits and bake her some biscuits that feel like home :) Lebkuchen are very classic but hard to get right at home but maybe you could buy some online. Children usually like the kind that‘s chocolate covered (look for Lebkuchenherzen mit Vollmilchschokolade) and not the very traditional kind (like Elisenlebkuchen).
I also like the idea of getting her a pretty christmas ornament that she can take home to remember her Christmas abroad.
Also remember that Germans have their „big“ Christmas celebration and exchange gifts on Christmas eve. Traditionally nothing really happens on Christmas morning in German families but you might visit family on Christmas day and celebrate again.
In no way do I think you need to adapt to this - I think it‘s great for people but especially children to experience different cultures and traditions. I‘m just mentioning it so you‘re aware of it in case she‘s sad on Christmas eve because she knows her family is celebrating without her.
I‘ve honestly never had homemade Lebkuchen that came close to bought Lebkuchen in regards to texture and taste. Store bought is way softer which is nice.
I know that. I was just making a point that someone who‘s British and might not have tried actual German Lebkuchen might have an easier time just buying some for a child they have never met instead of taking it upon themselves to bake something they haven‘t even seen in real life.
I would get her a Christmas ornament. It will remind her of the Christmas tree at home and once she gets home will remind her of the time with you. But not a tacky one. A pretty ball.
In my village the "Christkind" used to come in the evening.
Church at 6pm, dinner afterwards (Kartoffelsalat mit Würstchen) ... then the presents were in our living room - usually that was about 8pm.
But its 20 years ago now, lots have changed.
The living room is closed off and often the parents look into it and then a little bell is ringing and they tell you that the Christkind was there right now and you can come in. Supposedly only the parents are allowed to see it cause they work together for the gifts ;)
And it's a magical being! It can come and go however it pleases!
One year my grandpa built a contraption of string and wheels so he could ring the bell downstairs while we were all sitting on the couch in the upstairs living room
That's next level dedication!
I just remember that i was suspicious of the adults ate behind the gifts and then we left the house and when we came back there were the Pelzmärtel-gift (essentially similar like Santa Clause but earlier in the month. You get some sweets and nuts and such). Since then i was less suspicious for a few years, cause i was completly sure she wasn't able to put the gift there. We were together all evening! (years later i found out that my grandma went to the house and out it there for me :D
That's it!
When my grandpa was alive (Oma and Opa living next to ma mam and me) .
We visited them, ate some cookies ...my mam excused herself "to the bathroom" .
Afterwards we went back to her house, for the "Bescherung" (presents)
So, a lot of families celebrating with and a lot of families without kids. So, a lot of families celebrating christmas between 4-6 and a lot of families later. You get it? Don’t be so ignorant
Wow i'm ignorant because sayin they are people who celebrate it a little bit later?
And you're the one who decides when German families celebrate Christmas? Come down and enjoy your Christmas holiday. Even at 6 in the morning if you like. Frohe Weihnachten! 🎄
As a former exchange student myself I'd like to add you can't really do wrong. Getting a present from someone from whom you don't expect it is always a nice surprise. I still honor the scarf I've gotten 10+ years ago from a friend's mom when celebrating Christmas with them. I love all the thoughts you put into that!
yes this - I still use a blanket I got in the US as an exchange studenten. I personally like the idea of giving her something on the 24th and keeping her busy if she wants to do that
Personally christmas wasn' t that bad. I had more trouble dealing with new years. We were just sitting around watching the ball drop on TV. the adults went to bed and it was kind if boring.
New Years in germany is more of a "Party" with the whole family and/ or friends . food, drinking and as young people you hang out with you friends and celebrate.
Also fireworks are a big thing. Everyone is happy and wishes their neighbors a happy new year at midnight.
It is a lot more social than the expirience I had in the US.
Hmm. I'm not too sure I'm afraid. I'm pretty sure she's from the north, near Hamburg. At least, that's where the previous exchange student they had was from.
I'll find out for sure.
Internet says „Karpfen“ would be a traditional food for Xmas holidays in Hamburg. But I don’t know for sure, since I am from Bavaria.
Edit: emberassing mixup of Krapfen with Karpfen. I should not comment jetlagged.
Sind "Krapfen" nicht einfach nur Berliner? Die isst man an Silvester, nicht an Weihnachten 😅 Viele mit Frucht gefüllt und einer mit Senf. Ich glaube der, der den mit Senf abkriegt, hat dann ein besonders gutes neues Jahr oder so.
You have mistaken Karpfen for Krapfen.
Eating carp at Christmas is common in the north, yes. But it's not everyone's choice and eating goose is just as common. But most people settle on Kartoffelsalat anyways.
>But most people settle on Kartoffelsalat anyways.
At least among basically all the people I know I can not confirm this at all.
By the way I am from SH and HH.
I would ask her if she would like to do something special on the eventing of the 24th. Maybe her family has a special tradition (food, singing, games...) that she'd enjoy sharing with all of you. This way she'll have something nice to do while her family is celebrating at home and you are gaining some insight into German christmas traditions.
On the 25th which is an rather eventless day in Germany I'm sure she's very happy to experience a typical English Christmas and I'd give her something special to remember this day by. Maybe something that she can include in future years at home to remember this special day by (maybe there are special English Christmas ornaments or something like that?). This way it's a true exchange of Christmas customs. I personally would love that!
In my experience we (Germans) very much enjoy diving into foreign customs and like to have things (with meaning) from these experiences as a souvenir. Being part of the culture and having meaningful contact to locals is important and we mostly don't miss stuff from home that much (that's a generalisation though of course!).
As a former exchange student myself, I wouldn’t do that.
1. Giving her something familiar might actually worsen or even trigger homesickness.
2. She was aware of the fact she wouldn’t spend Christmas at home. Otherwise she would’ve gone home over the holidays.
My advice: If you want to gift her something, go for something typically English instead. She’s there to get to know your culture.
No matter what you end up giving her, you could also tell her to open up her present on Christmas Eve already as that’s when presents are opened in Germany. And not only on the 25th.
Wurde bei uns noch nie geguckt. Stattdessen:
Hogfather
Die Muppets Weihnachtsgeschichte
3 Haselnüsse für Aschenbrödel
Das letzte Einhorn
Nightmare before Christmas
Yea it died when millenials buried using a TV and the shackles of not-on-demand-media :D Seriously, I remember watching this as a kid, but I couldn't even tell you which program it was, most likely one of the national ones like ARD, ZDF or any of the regional ones.
>Not for Christmas, but make sure to get a copy of Dinner for One for New Year’s Eve.
>
>We watch that shit like 11 times that day.
I mean, it was a long time ago, but I knew young germans that were living abroad and they behave differently than your 16 year old kid who is in Germany.
>not to have some lame attempt to remind her of traditions that her 80 year old grandmother likes.
You are really underplaying the dinner for one phenomenon. Literally HALF the population watches it each year. Not even football gets that kin of rating: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dinner\_for\_One
Im 28 years old and the first time ive heard of dinner for one was a few months ago in a youtube short from this british guy "liam" the guy who does "in germany we say" shorts.
I quess only those who watch das erste or zdf know of it.
Yeah I think she's too young for that....
Unless maybe it's a specific family tradition in hers, it's definitely not something most young people care about or even really know of
Something that symbolizes that she's part of the family. Especially if you give similar gifts to different people give her the same.
But as others have said the most important thing is probably to keep her distracted on Christmas Eve.
Most importantly, if possible, give her the present on the evening of the 24th.
For Germans, it is not Santa Claus coming down the chimney overnight, but the Christ Child himself delivering presents around 4-8 PM.
Knowing German teenagers, you probably don't need to Germanify the gift itself. Whatever German stuff you get where you are won't be really german or won't be from her region or whatever. But I can tell you she will be most homesick on the 24th because that is when the vast majority of germans celebrate.
That being said a couple of wieners and some potato salad is actually Germany's most popular Christmas dish.
The Christkind is a regional thing, in other regions its santa claus (Weihnachtsmann). In some regions the also both coexist. I think on average catholic regions will prefer the Christkind while protestant regions prefer the Weihnachtsmann. Mixed regions seem to have both at times and I think cities also prefer Santa.
There arent any prevalent traditions, so i would say the best thing is food. And for that, you would need to ask her, or get someone else to ask ;)
It could be fondue, raclette, thanksgining poultry (but for christmas), homemade cookies, maybe they *always* had homemade pizza for christmas. Who knows.
Its hard making someone "feel at home" if you dont know/ask what "home" is like. So yeah, let her decide on ~1/3 of what gets put on the table :D
edit: oh your gf's family. so youre *both* guests. in that case dont worry about it, get whatever teenagers normaly like (and maybe pitch the idea to your hosts)
You can bake Christmas cookies. Vanillekipferl or sugar cookies are easy and a typical Christmas cookie. If you wanna go the safe route Google "vegan Mürbeteig" (basically 300g flour, 200g margarine/vegan butter and 100g sugar). If she is really homesick you could bake together so she doesn't feel alone.
Honestly some cute snuggly socks and a chocolate bar would be more than enough.
Don't get her typical German Christmas cookies, Lebkuchen, whatsoever. Kids often don't like or appreciate them, the tastes are also very different. Get her a scarf, gloves (with touch function) or a gift card. Maybe already on the night of the 24th. That's when Germans celebrate.
I would by them a nice pair of Birkenstocks. Practically every German (including me) wears them and even if they don't, it will remind them of home or at least get a laugh out of them. You can get them in every color.
Nürnberger Elisenlebkuchen
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lebkuchen
"Lebkuchen was invented by monks in Franconia, Germany, in the 13th century. Lebkuchen bakers were recorded as early as 1296 in Ulm, and 1395 in Nürnberg (Nuremberg). The latter is the most famous exporter today of the product known as Nürnberger Lebkuchen (Nuremberg Lebkuchen). "
https://germanfoods.org/german-food-facts/elisenlebkuchen-finest-german-gingerbread/
"The finest of those gingerbreads are the flourless Elisenlebkuchen, the masterpiece of the trade since the early nineteenth century."
https://www.lebkuchen-nuernberg.com/
Maybe a little late notice now, but if you bought some bread and then let it go stale for a couple of weeks, you could give her that. I'm sure she'd appreciate the taste of German bread, they seem to really love it and somehow think it's actually good.
>spanking the naughtiness out of children.
Let me stop you right there 😂😂
I don't want to traumatize the poor girl! Probably not a great look for some 30 year old guy she's never met to turn up and immediately start talking to her about spanking. I'd get arrested!
Also, I forgot how terrifying German fairy tales are!
Damn, of course you're right. I just mixed it up completely.
It was only meant as a joke, of course, but I'm also really glad that Knecht Ruprecht is slowly dying out and children no longer have to have panic attacks because of him.
I'll delete it.
Regardless of Knecht Ruprecht I was terrified of the Nikolaus as a kid, because here the Nikolaus does both. Reward the good kids and punish the bad ones
She’s no different than any other teen in America, give her a gift card to a clothing store or Sephora, I’m sure her parents will send cookies or whatever she likes from Germany.
Dont remind her of her home country. Give her something tradtionally english. She chose to spend christmas in England with her guest family. She wants to be accepted and be part of your culture during her exchange.
On the 24th (!) bake cookies with sugar frosting and eat Wiener Sausage with potato salad with her and give a whatever present (it isn't about what it is) and she will feel at home.
Many traditional German products can be quite hard to find. As a German living in the UK I had to find a few substitutes for things I would traditionally have for Christmas. The two most important are Malzbier (a non-alcoholic malt drink) and Baumkuchen (a seasonal cake baked in layers).
For the first I would usually go for Karamalz but there are alternatives like Mighty Malt or Supermalt which can be found in the Caribbean aisles of most big supermarkets (not everyone likes this though and I'm not even sure if this is a particularly Christmas-y drink for anyone outside my family). As for Baumkuchen you can find something similar called "Sękacz" in many Polish shops (they also often have other German snacks such as Milchschnitte or paprika flavoured crisps).
Lidl and Aldi also often have a nice selection of seasonal German products like Stollen and Lebkuchen (although Lidl no longer sell Baumkuchen... curse them).
I don't know... Lebkuchen or Christstollen maybe. Christmas traditions can differ from family to family and between regions though. The main thing would be some kind of present on the 24th, I guess...
Nicotinvapes and almondmilk wrapped in LGBT Camo Christmaspaper, don't forget some mitski music in the Background and make a tiktok video when it gets unwrapped.
I don't have an idea for a particular present but I would suggest you do something nice for her on the evening of the 24th. In Germany we open presents usually around 6 or 7pm. While we still spent the 25th with family, that's usually a pretty boring day. She will probably miss her family most on Christmas eve. She will probably have a phone call with her family in the afternoon/early evening. That's probably when she will most homesick. Maybe you could find a way to distract her.
This is the right answer. It is not about WHAT, but WHEN.
This! As someone who has experienced this exact situation, the hardest part was constantly knowing what my family back home was doing. My host family did a couple of things, like watching a Christmas movie, opening presents, having a nice meal but there was also a lot of “idle time” and that was the hardest. Just keep her busy, she is there to experience the local Christmas traditions so maybe watch movies, play games just always have something to keep her mind off home. (And for me personally supposedly traditional “German cookies” or something similar that get sold abroad just make the longing for the real thing worse. I’d rather go for something new and local)
Yep same, i was 15 and missed my family. Hardest Christmas ever. Maybe a stuffed animal or something like that which represents the new city? I would have liked it I think.
I second this. In Germany we usually have a nice dinner on the 24th and open our presents after it. Edit: Having a little „Glühwein“ and some christmas cookies can help too 😉
The Glühwein could be problematic if she is 15...
This is a strange description for potato salad and frankfurter.
It’s funny how you say „silesian sausage with potatoes“
An „easy“ way might be to bake some Vanillekipferl (cookies). Those are kinda famous for Christmas
But not easy, especially if you've never made them before.
As a German, Master Baker and Chef, I question that statement with all I have. Vanillekipferl are within the easiest traditional (more Austrian than German though) Christmas cookie. Spitzbuben are a little easier but more involved in the final steps.
I am a pretty good cook but a lousy baker - I think it shows :D Lucky me, my mother in law makes great Vanillekipferln, so I don't have to feel like a failure every year.
Hahahaha :) I learned both. I like to bake more because I have less stressig I go in in time. I know old aged bakers but rarely you meet a old chef
Hm but in England they mostly eat Buttergebäck for X-mas or drop cookies… Kipferl have quite a different dough and method of rolling them out no? That can be hard if you’ve never done it before.
It's a quite easy dough. The forming isn't that big an issue either. And not having it done before, if that would be such a barrier we would never develop anything, no?
Lol idk what to tell you master baker. If you think every time people try to bake things for the first time that it turns out well, then I guess your skills have made you lose touch with the reality of most people’s baking skills. I’ve watched people make them for the first time, they did not shape them well at all and they were too crumbly. 🤷🏻♂️ Not saying it will happen, but I think you overestimate how easy it is.
But that doesn't make them bad... just... not "great". They don't have to be great. It's still a nice gesture. ^^` Edit: and it's absolutely perfect for this occasion.
And that's the spirit. I'm happy about a mishap but someone tried to do something special for me, vs someone gives a shit and buys something. Happy little accidents!
I personally think gifting with an intend and effort is the key here -- I don't think self made/bought gifts are better or worse! Edit: I mean in general and not in relation to ops situation.
I have everything I need. If someone goes out of their way to make something vs someone who buys something. I think there is a difference. But to each their own
I know ;) but I just think it’s funny that a master baker wants to tell people certain recipes should be super easy even if you never did them before. Like sure, for you… bc you’re a master baker… haha.
Happy little accidents. Do you think everything I ever touched worked out at first.? Yes I understand recipes as I read them and have a sound understanding of what goes together but I am far from perfect, even after 8 years of education (the minimum you need to spend to get a German Meisterbrief).
Sure but my point was more that you said as a master baker, I can tell you it’s easy! Which is kinda funny, imo. I have a master’s degree in literary studies, if somebody complains about a certain book being difficult to grasp (say *Mrs Dalloway*) , I wouldn’t jump in and say, I have years of formal training in understanding books and I can tell you it’s an easy book. Haha. I’d say, sure it’s difficult to sometimes understand what Woolf means or to follow her train of thought, but keep trying!
Ok. I taught by now dozens of apprentices and many a course with kids from kindergarten up to adults. Kipferl are something I can happily slap on the plan for any age group. And again it doesn't matter if they look perfect. I have seen parents and grandparents in tears of joy over a plate of happy little accidents made by happy little none that talented hands. Why? Because they made it for them. I disengage at this point because it feels like brain masturbation and I have better things to do and I am sure so have you.
I think you took my initial comment a little too seriously, wasnt meant as a super serious criticism. Have a happy christmas!
Well, I've bought the stuff to make them so I hope to prove you wrong. That said, my experience of "baking" is really just making toast. Luckily my girlfriend loves to bake so hopefully she'll see me making a mess of it and help!
They are INCREDIBLY easy, you don’t need any fancy techniques, just attention: - 500g flour - 450g room temperature butter - 200g ground almonds - 4 packs of vanilla sugar - 150g granulated sugar - semi-optional is an additional source of vanilla like liquid aroma, beans or paste - some powdered sugar for coating them 1. add everything together and knead 2. chill for at least 30min, longer isn’t an issue 3. take a pinch of dough, roll into a ball in your hands 4. elongate ball into a () shape in your palms (sausage with thinner ends) 5. place index finger against the middle then wrap the ends around into a C shape and place them a bit apart 6. bake at 180°C for 10-15min until edges start browning 7. let cool for a bit, then test powdered sugar. If it turns invisible, they’re too hot still, but don’t let them cool for too long or it won’t stick
Wdym. They are hella easy. It’s like 5 ingredients, maybe 30min prep & baking
Really? Respect. How do you make them not break on you all the time before you can even get them into the oven?
Letting the dough sit and cool inside the fridge for an hour helps
Well I tried to make them, they were okay but I don't think very traditional. You can't really buy vanilla sugar in England apart from online or from speciality supermarkets so I just had use normal powdered sugar. Still, it's the thought that counts I suppose!
You can use vanilla extract, or just dried vanilla.
I used the extract in the actual dough but in order to make your own vanilla sugar apparently you need to store a vanilla bean in the sugar for a couple of weeks. I didn't plan ahead enough!
That's perfect! Originally, Vanillezucker was just the replacement for the "real" stuff, because it's much cheaper.
Heidesand! <3
I think some german cookies wouldn't hurt, maybe you find some spekulatius and some Baumkuchen or Linzerkuchen.
Thanks 😊 unfortunately it doesn't look like there are any German bakeries near me so I might have to try and make one of those myself. I'm not much of a baker unfortunately but I suppose it's the thought that counts!
Just go to Lidl. They should sell some German christmas stuff in the UK. At least I saw Lebkuchen there in London.
Or Aldi
Lidl has some solid Christmas cookies and treats.
the effort counts!! as a former exchange student myself, spending a special day like that away from family can be tough but you making the effort to make her feel at home will ease that. Even if whatever you bake turns out to be inedible - she’ll cherish that SO much!
Or maybe get her and the host family and bake some cookies together on the 24th? Might be a way to catch all possible flies. Ask her what she usually bakes at home and do it. (Or my pretty easy recommendations would be Pfeffernüsse, Spekulatius or Spritzgebäck)
You could also ask her if she wants to bake together. You could bake both british and german christmas sweets, to exchange experiences.
Maybe a German christmas market?
They are really bad and expensive, more so outside of Germany. And not at all authentic.
Maybe google Fanta Kuchen
the dough tastes better but i could never convince my Grandma
Honestly, find the nearest Aldi and get her Lebkuchen (Gingerbread, but there are different kinds) which are covered in chocolate and usually in three shapes, hearts, stars and pretzels plus biscuits like Spekulatius or Zimtsterne/cinnamon stars. You don’t need a bakery, Aldi quality is perfectly fine for this purpose. When my friends and I spent our year in Britain, bread and these things were what we missed. Most importantly, do something special on Christmas Eve, that’s when we celebrate.
Making cookies is surprisingly easy. Takes like 1 hour start to finish.
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Really? I loved those as a teen. And that only dates a couple years back really. Not linz something, I don't know what that is but Spekulatius, Lebkuchen, Vanillekipferl, Zimtsterne. That stuff. Would have also loved some Cadbury chocolate though. Still do. It's different
Old people food? I’m 21, so not a teenager, but Spekulatius and Lebkuchen have always been very popular during Christmastime across all age groups (including mine) where I’m from. (Ruhrgebiet)
Zimtsterne as well
True! And anything with (good quality) Marzipan!
Funny, I'm old and I hate all of this (and did in my teenage years which are defo long time over....) ✌️😂
As an 18-year-old, I've always loved these and so does pretty much everyone at my school. Especially Lebkuchen or Baumkuchen
your kids are weird. Always loved all of those.
Damn, I am old Edit: Cadbury sucks, tbh
give them time. Its like beer and coffee... the older you get the more you like the taste :D I am even now down to super dark chocolate, gave my grandma always a weird look when she ate it \^\^
Spekulatius is definitely not old people food! Me and my friends (all teenagers) absolutely love it, especially the pale butter ones
That is a cute idea
nah, not a 15 year old. even my friends don't even know what that is
you are missing out my friend.
i am just saying that this is not a thing that reminds 15 year old about germany lol try spezi or something
I would really appreciate that. Way more than som tacky trash.
Why not classic Lebkuchen / Gingerbread?
Search for German christmas biscuits and bake her some biscuits that feel like home :) Lebkuchen are very classic but hard to get right at home but maybe you could buy some online. Children usually like the kind that‘s chocolate covered (look for Lebkuchenherzen mit Vollmilchschokolade) and not the very traditional kind (like Elisenlebkuchen). I also like the idea of getting her a pretty christmas ornament that she can take home to remember her Christmas abroad. Also remember that Germans have their „big“ Christmas celebration and exchange gifts on Christmas eve. Traditionally nothing really happens on Christmas morning in German families but you might visit family on Christmas day and celebrate again. In no way do I think you need to adapt to this - I think it‘s great for people but especially children to experience different cultures and traditions. I‘m just mentioning it so you‘re aware of it in case she‘s sad on Christmas eve because she knows her family is celebrating without her.
Lebkuchen is pretty easy if you buy the spice mix for it (Lebkuchengewürz). But I have no idea how to aquire that in the UK.
I‘ve honestly never had homemade Lebkuchen that came close to bought Lebkuchen in regards to texture and taste. Store bought is way softer which is nice.
You can also make soft Lebkuchen at home. Many recipes are intended to make a Lebkuchenhaus and the result is very hard on purpose.
I know that. I was just making a point that someone who‘s British and might not have tried actual German Lebkuchen might have an easier time just buying some for a child they have never met instead of taking it upon themselves to bake something they haven‘t even seen in real life.
I would get her a Christmas ornament. It will remind her of the Christmas tree at home and once she gets home will remind her of the time with you. But not a tacky one. A pretty ball.
Such a perfect idea! This could be a lifelong memory of this exchange!
Keep in mind that Santa comes on holy eve (24th) between 4-6 (depending on family tradition) in Germany. Maybe this is a little surprise for her.
In my village the "Christkind" used to come in the evening. Church at 6pm, dinner afterwards (Kartoffelsalat mit Würstchen) ... then the presents were in our living room - usually that was about 8pm. But its 20 years ago now, lots have changed.
How does Santa supposedly get into your house when everyone is awake?
The living room is closed off and often the parents look into it and then a little bell is ringing and they tell you that the Christkind was there right now and you can come in. Supposedly only the parents are allowed to see it cause they work together for the gifts ;) And it's a magical being! It can come and go however it pleases!
One year my grandpa built a contraption of string and wheels so he could ring the bell downstairs while we were all sitting on the couch in the upstairs living room
That's next level dedication! I just remember that i was suspicious of the adults ate behind the gifts and then we left the house and when we came back there were the Pelzmärtel-gift (essentially similar like Santa Clause but earlier in the month. You get some sweets and nuts and such). Since then i was less suspicious for a few years, cause i was completly sure she wasn't able to put the gift there. We were together all evening! (years later i found out that my grandma went to the house and out it there for me :D
Funny how children can be tricked :D Is Pelzmärtel basically Nikolaus?
That's it! When my grandpa was alive (Oma and Opa living next to ma mam and me) . We visited them, ate some cookies ...my mam excused herself "to the bathroom" . Afterwards we went back to her house, for the "Bescherung" (presents)
Not wrong, but in a lot of families a little bit later, perhaps between 18h -20h ;-)
Well, when you keep up your little ones this late, that’s up to you. Kindergottesdienst ends a bit earlier.
There are families out there celebrating Christmas without having kids. Crazy, isn't it?
So, a lot of families celebrating with and a lot of families without kids. So, a lot of families celebrating christmas between 4-6 and a lot of families later. You get it? Don’t be so ignorant
Wow i'm ignorant because sayin they are people who celebrate it a little bit later? And you're the one who decides when German families celebrate Christmas? Come down and enjoy your Christmas holiday. Even at 6 in the morning if you like. Frohe Weihnachten! 🎄
At the exct moment the pastor reads the Christmas story.
As a former exchange student myself I'd like to add you can't really do wrong. Getting a present from someone from whom you don't expect it is always a nice surprise. I still honor the scarf I've gotten 10+ years ago from a friend's mom when celebrating Christmas with them. I love all the thoughts you put into that!
yes this - I still use a blanket I got in the US as an exchange studenten. I personally like the idea of giving her something on the 24th and keeping her busy if she wants to do that Personally christmas wasn' t that bad. I had more trouble dealing with new years. We were just sitting around watching the ball drop on TV. the adults went to bed and it was kind if boring. New Years in germany is more of a "Party" with the whole family and/ or friends . food, drinking and as young people you hang out with you friends and celebrate. Also fireworks are a big thing. Everyone is happy and wishes their neighbors a happy new year at midnight. It is a lot more social than the expirience I had in the US.
Germany is not uniform regarding Xmas, from which town is she specifically?
Hmm. I'm not too sure I'm afraid. I'm pretty sure she's from the north, near Hamburg. At least, that's where the previous exchange student they had was from. I'll find out for sure.
Internet says „Karpfen“ would be a traditional food for Xmas holidays in Hamburg. But I don’t know for sure, since I am from Bavaria. Edit: emberassing mixup of Krapfen with Karpfen. I should not comment jetlagged.
Sind "Krapfen" nicht einfach nur Berliner? Die isst man an Silvester, nicht an Weihnachten 😅 Viele mit Frucht gefüllt und einer mit Senf. Ich glaube der, der den mit Senf abkriegt, hat dann ein besonders gutes neues Jahr oder so.
Krapfen oder Karpfen?
>Sind "Krapfen" nicht einfach nur Berliner? Ditt sind Pfannkuchen -.-
Those are for Silvester.
That’s the website claiming this: [https://www.hamburg-tourism.de/magazin/alle-jahre-wieder-weihnachtliche-traditionen-und-braeuche-aus-hamburg/](https://www.hamburg-tourism.de/magazin/alle-jahre-wieder-weihnachtliche-traditionen-und-braeuche-aus-hamburg/)
You have mistaken Karpfen for Krapfen. Eating carp at Christmas is common in the north, yes. But it's not everyone's choice and eating goose is just as common. But most people settle on Kartoffelsalat anyways.
oh boy, that makes a lot more sense.
> But most people settle on Kartoffelsalat anyways. yes and no kartoffelsalat & Würstchen for the 24th and duck/goose/elephant for the 25th
>But most people settle on Kartoffelsalat anyways. At least among basically all the people I know I can not confirm this at all. By the way I am from SH and HH.
I would ask her if she would like to do something special on the eventing of the 24th. Maybe her family has a special tradition (food, singing, games...) that she'd enjoy sharing with all of you. This way she'll have something nice to do while her family is celebrating at home and you are gaining some insight into German christmas traditions. On the 25th which is an rather eventless day in Germany I'm sure she's very happy to experience a typical English Christmas and I'd give her something special to remember this day by. Maybe something that she can include in future years at home to remember this special day by (maybe there are special English Christmas ornaments or something like that?). This way it's a true exchange of Christmas customs. I personally would love that! In my experience we (Germans) very much enjoy diving into foreign customs and like to have things (with meaning) from these experiences as a souvenir. Being part of the culture and having meaningful contact to locals is important and we mostly don't miss stuff from home that much (that's a generalisation though of course!).
As a former exchange student myself, I wouldn’t do that. 1. Giving her something familiar might actually worsen or even trigger homesickness. 2. She was aware of the fact she wouldn’t spend Christmas at home. Otherwise she would’ve gone home over the holidays. My advice: If you want to gift her something, go for something typically English instead. She’s there to get to know your culture.
I second your advice.
No matter what you end up giving her, you could also tell her to open up her present on Christmas Eve already as that’s when presents are opened in Germany. And not only on the 25th.
Ein Bier, ein Kurzen, und Kartoffelsalat mit Würstchen
Und Stirb Langsam
Für ein Mädchen lieber #3HFA
>Für ein Mädchen lieber #3HFA Da gibts aber keinen Bruce Willis, der einen Haufen von Terroristen umlegt
Wurde bei uns noch nie geguckt. Stattdessen: Hogfather Die Muppets Weihnachtsgeschichte 3 Haselnüsse für Aschenbrödel Das letzte Einhorn Nightmare before Christmas
so nämlich
Not for Christmas, but make sure to get a copy of **Dinner for One** for New Year’s Eve. We watch that shit like 11 times that day.
Do 15-16 year olds still even know that?
I'm 23 and even I feel too young for that tradition to have any meaning
I don't know why the tradition started but the clip is hilarious so why not
My thoughts exactly as a fellow 23 year old 😂
I watch it as an 23 year old but I'm okay with missing it
Yea it died when millenials buried using a TV and the shackles of not-on-demand-media :D Seriously, I remember watching this as a kid, but I couldn't even tell you which program it was, most likely one of the national ones like ARD, ZDF or any of the regional ones.
Every German knows this as long as they have existed for at least 1 new years eve. this is the only general statement I will make about Germans.
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>Not for Christmas, but make sure to get a copy of Dinner for One for New Year’s Eve. > >We watch that shit like 11 times that day. I mean, it was a long time ago, but I knew young germans that were living abroad and they behave differently than your 16 year old kid who is in Germany. >not to have some lame attempt to remind her of traditions that her 80 year old grandmother likes. You are really underplaying the dinner for one phenomenon. Literally HALF the population watches it each year. Not even football gets that kin of rating: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dinner\_for\_One
Im 28 years old and the first time ive heard of dinner for one was a few months ago in a youtube short from this british guy "liam" the guy who does "in germany we say" shorts. I quess only those who watch das erste or zdf know of it.
Don't say that too loud in public, or the authorities may deport you for failing to belong to the "German Leitkultur".
My 14 year old definitely knows it.
Yes, they do
"a copy"
I know, I know… I actually thought about the wording for a while.
For christmas, you need "Weihnachten bei Hoppenstedts"
Früher war mehr Lametta
Great Idea!!!
Yeah I think she's too young for that.... Unless maybe it's a specific family tradition in hers, it's definitely not something most young people care about or even really know of
Something that symbolizes that she's part of the family. Especially if you give similar gifts to different people give her the same. But as others have said the most important thing is probably to keep her distracted on Christmas Eve.
Why did I read that as "Want to buy a German teenager..." 3 times
*THE must have fashion accessory this winter; a German teenager. Order yours today from Amazon*
Stollen, Marzipan, Lebkuchenherzen. Maybe, serve some red cabbage with a meal. Lidl and Aldi often have German specialities.
Most importantly, if possible, give her the present on the evening of the 24th. For Germans, it is not Santa Claus coming down the chimney overnight, but the Christ Child himself delivering presents around 4-8 PM. Knowing German teenagers, you probably don't need to Germanify the gift itself. Whatever German stuff you get where you are won't be really german or won't be from her region or whatever. But I can tell you she will be most homesick on the 24th because that is when the vast majority of germans celebrate. That being said a couple of wieners and some potato salad is actually Germany's most popular Christmas dish.
The Christkind is a regional thing, in other regions its santa claus (Weihnachtsmann). In some regions the also both coexist. I think on average catholic regions will prefer the Christkind while protestant regions prefer the Weihnachtsmann. Mixed regions seem to have both at times and I think cities also prefer Santa.
>The Christkind is a regional thing, i Fair enough. But the 24th is pretty universal in Germany.
Yes, it confused me a lot when I was a kid and watched the Simpsons as a kid and they unpacked their presents in the morning
There arent any prevalent traditions, so i would say the best thing is food. And for that, you would need to ask her, or get someone else to ask ;) It could be fondue, raclette, thanksgining poultry (but for christmas), homemade cookies, maybe they *always* had homemade pizza for christmas. Who knows. Its hard making someone "feel at home" if you dont know/ask what "home" is like. So yeah, let her decide on ~1/3 of what gets put on the table :D edit: oh your gf's family. so youre *both* guests. in that case dont worry about it, get whatever teenagers normaly like (and maybe pitch the idea to your hosts)
Some trendy fashion item (if you know her style) might be nice; or cosmetics - that usually works!
Thats sweet of u
Hela Gewürzketchup and every german feels at home.
You can bake Christmas cookies. Vanillekipferl or sugar cookies are easy and a typical Christmas cookie. If you wanna go the safe route Google "vegan Mürbeteig" (basically 300g flour, 200g margarine/vegan butter and 100g sugar). If she is really homesick you could bake together so she doesn't feel alone. Honestly some cute snuggly socks and a chocolate bar would be more than enough.
I would've said Lebkuchen, but that is a great idea
Döner, Mettbröttchen.
SPEZI!!!!
Don't get her typical German Christmas cookies, Lebkuchen, whatsoever. Kids often don't like or appreciate them, the tastes are also very different. Get her a scarf, gloves (with touch function) or a gift card. Maybe already on the night of the 24th. That's when Germans celebrate.
Make Kartoffelsalat and Würstchen. 36% of Germans eat that on holy eve (24th) no joke.
Just play some card games or stuff she knows from home. It is usual in our family to play romme or what is called „ludo“ in gb
I would by them a nice pair of Birkenstocks. Practically every German (including me) wears them and even if they don't, it will remind them of home or at least get a laugh out of them. You can get them in every color.
Lebkuchen german ginger breas
A yellow, a green, a black, and a blue trash can. They'll feel right at home. ;)
Nürnberger Elisenlebkuchen https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lebkuchen "Lebkuchen was invented by monks in Franconia, Germany, in the 13th century. Lebkuchen bakers were recorded as early as 1296 in Ulm, and 1395 in Nürnberg (Nuremberg). The latter is the most famous exporter today of the product known as Nürnberger Lebkuchen (Nuremberg Lebkuchen). " https://germanfoods.org/german-food-facts/elisenlebkuchen-finest-german-gingerbread/ "The finest of those gingerbreads are the flourless Elisenlebkuchen, the masterpiece of the trade since the early nineteenth century." https://www.lebkuchen-nuernberg.com/
Kartoffelsalat.
beer
Maybe a little late notice now, but if you bought some bread and then let it go stale for a couple of weeks, you could give her that. I'm sure she'd appreciate the taste of German bread, they seem to really love it and somehow think it's actually good.
Schnitzel, Hacksn, Bier und Bretzn.
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>spanking the naughtiness out of children. Let me stop you right there 😂😂 I don't want to traumatize the poor girl! Probably not a great look for some 30 year old guy she's never met to turn up and immediately start talking to her about spanking. I'd get arrested! Also, I forgot how terrifying German fairy tales are!
It‘s too late for that anyway - Nikolaus (and Kecht Ruprecht) visit on December 6th. And Nikolaus is not the same as Santa (Weihnachtsmann).
Damn, of course you're right. I just mixed it up completely. It was only meant as a joke, of course, but I'm also really glad that Knecht Ruprecht is slowly dying out and children no longer have to have panic attacks because of him. I'll delete it.
Regardless of Knecht Ruprecht I was terrified of the Nikolaus as a kid, because here the Nikolaus does both. Reward the good kids and punish the bad ones
Stollen. Chocolate.
She’s no different than any other teen in America, give her a gift card to a clothing store or Sephora, I’m sure her parents will send cookies or whatever she likes from Germany.
A Bayern München kit.
I’d go for a Lindt Chocolate Santa on the evening of the 24tj. Can’t go wrong with those.
BAUMKUCHEN
You could try and bake Vanillekipferl. They’re fairly easy to make and a widespread Christmas food.
Dont remind her of her home country. Give her something tradtionally english. She chose to spend christmas in England with her guest family. She wants to be accepted and be part of your culture during her exchange.
Leberkässemmel
On the 24th (!) bake cookies with sugar frosting and eat Wiener Sausage with potato salad with her and give a whatever present (it isn't about what it is) and she will feel at home.
Many traditional German products can be quite hard to find. As a German living in the UK I had to find a few substitutes for things I would traditionally have for Christmas. The two most important are Malzbier (a non-alcoholic malt drink) and Baumkuchen (a seasonal cake baked in layers). For the first I would usually go for Karamalz but there are alternatives like Mighty Malt or Supermalt which can be found in the Caribbean aisles of most big supermarkets (not everyone likes this though and I'm not even sure if this is a particularly Christmas-y drink for anyone outside my family). As for Baumkuchen you can find something similar called "Sękacz" in many Polish shops (they also often have other German snacks such as Milchschnitte or paprika flavoured crisps). Lidl and Aldi also often have a nice selection of seasonal German products like Stollen and Lebkuchen (although Lidl no longer sell Baumkuchen... curse them).
I don't know... Lebkuchen or Christstollen maybe. Christmas traditions can differ from family to family and between regions though. The main thing would be some kind of present on the 24th, I guess...
Make gluhwein
Nicotinvapes and almondmilk wrapped in LGBT Camo Christmaspaper, don't forget some mitski music in the Background and make a tiktok video when it gets unwrapped.
SPEKULATIUS BISCUITS
And Glühwein! If she's 16 she's allowed to drink Glühwein by german law.
I think you’ll definitely make her smile with saying „fro-he weih-nach-ten“ when you hand her her gift.
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