January 26, 2016

Knutfest: Christmas Tree Throwing

January 26, 2016/ Meghan Oaks

The Christmas tree has a unique tradition in Germany. In fact, it is where the Christmas tree started. Originally, a pine tree was cut from the local forest around Christmas eve, brought inside, lit with real (!) candles, and decorated. Not much has changed in how the Germans utilize a Christmas tree. While some opt for a fake tree, or one with electric lights for slightly less of a fire hazard, many of them still put up their tree on Christmas Eve and decorate it then. It remains decorated until January 6, known to many as the Epiphany, when the three wise men arrived to honor the birth of Jesus. After that, the trees are taken down, and most are discarded by the local refuse collection. However, in one small town in the German state of Rheinland-Pfalz, a more interesting and festive way has emerged - Knutfest, a Christmas tree throwing competitions!

December 18, 2015

The Dark Side of Christmas in Germany

December 18, 2015/ Meghan Oaks

In every culture that celebrates Christmas, there seems to be a counter point to Santa Claus or St. Nicholas, mostly in an effort to get children to behave. In the US, naughty children are left gifts of coal in their stockings, while the good children receive toys, books, and games. In Germany, a land not known for sugar coating things, the naughty children face a much worse fate. However, this fate depends on where in Germany you live. Furthermore, since St. Nicholas is celebrated on December 6th, leaving small gifts in the shoes of good little boys and girls, the evening of the 5th is when the naughty children have to watch out from St. Nicholas' ''companions.'' So, who exactly are these companions?

November 27, 2015

10 Tips for Attending German Christmas Markets

November 27, 2015/ Meghan Oaks

Christmas market season has officially started in Germany! The market in Mannheim opened on Wednesday, and many of them open tonight, and will stay open until Christmas. The main market in Mannheim is just down the street from our apartment. I can literally see the lights, hear the music, and smell the food from our apartment door. It's a massive effort in self control to not head down there for dinner, a waffle, or a Glühwein (or, in my case, the non-alcoholic, slightly less satisfying, version) every single night. In case you are planning a trip to a local market, or taking a vacation to Germany to explore them, we wanted to share some tips with you that we have picked up.

February 27, 2015

9 Habits We Picked Up When We Moved to Germany

February 27, 2015/ Meghan Oaks

We have had no less than 5 people either share, comment, ask, or send us the link to this article about American habits that one girl lost when she moved to Germany. Most of the questions revolve around, ''Is it true?'' And both of us would say yes, especially regarding the parts about small talk and public nudity. We have pretty much lost all of those habits while living over here. Perhaps they're just in hibernation until we move back to the States. Only time will tell if we will eventually regain them.

February 20, 2015

5 Tips for Drinking With Germans

February 20, 2015/ Meghan Oaks

Just in time for the weekend! Germany is generally thought of as the home of beer. Whether or not that is true is up for debate, but the fact is, Germans like their beer. And if you're in the western part of the country, in the wine regions, you will find that they also like their wine. Since we have been here, Aaron and I have been in multiple scenarios that involve Germans and alcohol. And it is from those scenarios that we have learned a few things that we would like to share with all of you, should you find yourself drinking with a German.

February 18, 2015

American Expats Experience German Karneval

February 18, 2015/ Meghan Oaks

Well folks, this weekend was definitely one for the record books. Friday after work, we boarded a train and headed north to Südlohn, a small town almost in the Netherlands, to participate in a weekend of Karneval festivities with some new German friends. The first parade was on Saturday and they continued through Monday. One of Aaron's coworkers and his friends built probably the most elaborate floats I've ever seen.

February 13, 2015

Fasching, Karneval, Fastnacht

February 13, 2015/ Meghan Oaks

Fasching

Karneval

Fastnacht

Whatever you want to call it, they all mean the same thing, well almost the same thing - party time in Germany! As if the Germans required yet another excuse to party and drink beer, the beginning of the year is known as Karneval season.