December, 2005 - Nr. 12
Christmas Magic
There
is something about this season that makes me think of my childhood more than
any other time of the year. The sights and sounds surrounding Christmas have
definitely something to do with it. Mostly it is the smell of cookies,
breads and cakes that trigger these feelings and transport me back to days
gone by. Visiting our local Christmas markets is one way of reliving the
past, while exercising new traditions.
This
year I only went to 2 of the many to choose from. Our first visit was at the
well-established Christmas Fair at the Danube Swabian Club in Scarborough. I
have developed a certain route through the house to find friends and
favourite vendors. Breathing deeply the air scented with the smell of
Marzipan-Stollen and wax candles
I
first make a beeline to George Jewellers, to consult with Heidi and the best
of all husbands on what this years treasure for me might be. I instantly
spotted something that reminded me of my childhood.
My mother passed on to me a beautiful necklace and a pair of earrings made of corrals when she felt that she was not quite young enough anymore to be comfortably wearing this flamboyant type of adornment. My father gave them to her as the first affordable jewellery after the war. I wear them in the summer, but now found chunky corrals for the neck and wrist that are ok to be worn all year round, even with a sweater.
On
the way to the Women’s Auxiliary, where I bought fabulous cookies that
unfortunately turned into crumbs before I got them home, I bought a big bag
full of fabu
lous
bread that smelled so delicious. I had a hard time not tearing off the end,
like I used to do when my grandma sent me as a child to the baker to pick up
freshly baked sourdough bread.
A visit with my friends
A visit with my friends from the Deutsche Lesezirkel, a quick stopover for smoked sausages and Kaiserfleisch and goose liver sausage, and I was up at Regina’s to find out what she invented that extends my wardrobe. I must say, the older I get the more I appreciate the so-called Landhaus Look or estate look. I found a fabulous 3-piece cotton outfit in winter white, which I can wear now and in summer. It goes fabulous with the red cape I got last year from her. The other fashion place I love is Catherine MacKays boutique at 49 Donway West in Don Mills. For 28 years she has hand-picked and chosen special pieces for a clientele that enjoys personal attention without having to pay couture prices. She regularly goes to Europe and selects what she thinks is right for us. Her impeccable taste has always been right for me. I assure you if you cannot find it in a mall you just might find it there.
Before I dashed off I made another stop. This one can be a bit more involved, but it is worth a visit every time. I had to have a look at International Furs to see what the new trends in fur are.
You heard me right. I live in Canada where it gets bitterly cold in winter and I find it appropriate to wear fur. Nobody wears an endangered species, we all chose something that can be ranched, and I am not apologizing to anyone for my choice to wear fur. In fact, I think it is the better choice every time. Faux fur will still be rotting a thousand years from now in some landfill, but my furs will have been loved for a lifetime, then made into a throw or pillow, or end up in front of my bed. That is what I did with the coat I received from my husband’s mother in the sixties. She wore it since the war. I wore it in the first two very cold winters after my arrival in Canada, and then I made it into a throw and a "Bettvorlaeger". There is nothing like getting out of bed and feeling fur under your toes. Just think, over 50 years of good use before the fur naturally biodegrades instead of stinking in a landfill.
Sights at the Christmas Fair
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On the way out I visited Siggi Erck, the flower man as I call him. I caught up again with him in Kitchener at the multi award-winning Christkindl Market one week later. He had added to his ever-expanding line of amazing clocks a whole new line of decorative pictures, all, made in the same meticulous way he does his clocks. His special drying method of flowers guarantees long lasting pleasure. He also developed a great German Canadian decal and some funny rock characters, which reminded me of figurines I had as a child.
Christkindl Market Kitchener
Kitchener
was truly magic. If it would have been one or two degrees colder then the
thin white stuff that fell from the sky would have accumulated better and
added more to the charm of this market.
The Candle Light Procession
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Carolling from the balcony
After the procession with many people holding lit candles or
lanterns arrived at City Hall, after a brass band heralded us with the first
Christmas tunes, and after twin angels had taken their rightful place on the
balcony Mayor Zehr opened
the
market officially, Ursel Wandschneider then introduced Knecht Ruprecht who
told us where he came
from
and why: "Drauss vom Walde komm ich her, ich muss Euch sagen, es weihnachtet
sehr…"
Later on Knecht Ruprecht waylaid me under the big
Christmas
tree and handed out a few well-measured portions with his "Rute". Good thing
he was not serious and also gave me some candy. Herwig Wandschneider enjoyed
playing this mix of Weihnachtsmann
and
Nikolaus. He had no difficulty remembering the poem either. It was tradition
when he was a boy to have a poem ready, or else there would be no gifts
given.
Lots to see and do
In my house it was much the same. My family also taught me to prepare a poem, we would sing and make Christmas music together, tell the Christmas story, and only then were we allowed to look at our presents.
Smells and Tastes of the Fair
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It
all came flooding back to me that evening in Kitchener. Now I have my own
new traditions. Going to the Christmas markets is one of them. In Kitchener
I always visit this lovely lady, Harriet Falk of Bridgeport Pottery. Every
year I find a few new pieces as table wear. Some of the serving platters and
bowls are my favourite possessions and add a very personal style to my
table. This year I found some more pieces and I also picked some ornamental
ones to give to friends.
Hand-made Treasures
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As
I circled the upper floor of City Hall I found the German Canadian Congress
presenting some interesting literature. I bought a book by Ulrich Frisse,
who is al
so
the new president of the congress. "Berlin, Ontario (1800-1916)" makes for
very interesting reading, not just for serious scholars. It is published by
Transatlantic Publishing and the website is
www.tapublishing.ca.
And speaking of books: There are still a few Berlin books by Tom Buchwald to be had from us, but only for pick up in Toronto, if you are serious about wanting it as a Christmas present.
The Historical Society of Mecklenburg Upper Canada was pushing its latest yearbook, which hails from 2004. It is number 18 in a most interesting series representing German writings and literature from all walks of life in Canada that have German roots. Anyone who is interested in an entertaining way to learn of our heritage here should acquire this series and contact the society under 416- 290-6551 or go the website at www.german-canadian.com.
I also cam across a wonderful book by German Canadian writer Peter Hessel , who some time ago used to write a column for Echo Germanica. In his book "The Mystery of Frankenberg’s Canadian Airman" he tells a story that is quite familiar in parts to some of us, since it leads us back to a time we mostly want to forget, unless we have still baggage that has to be handled. This book makes it quite clear that there are no winners in a war, that the suffering is endless and needless on all sides and leaves many mysteries. In finding out by meticulous research what happened to this one Canadian Airman, Peter Hessel also leads us towards understanding both sides of the coin.
The former Canadian Minister of Defence had this to say about this book: "Peter Hessel writes vividly about what until now has been considered forbidden territory for Canadian authors. An insightful and sensitive story of the "other side" - the human impact of the Allied bombing of Germany in World War II and the loss of some 1o.ooo Canadian Airmen in the process. Forgiving is not easy nor expected, but there is s time when hatred must end and reconciliation begins and is nurtured. Peter Hessel makes this case eloquently and in a fascinating and well-documented read." (The honourable Barnett Danson, former Minister of Defence) The book is published by James Lorimer & Company, www.lorimer.ca.
Teddy Wonderland
But
back to the Christkindl Market in Kitchener, where I also visited Alpine
Sound and Gifts with that other Siggi, who puts on a couple Christmas
markets north of Toronto.
Not
far from him I caught up again with Regina’s Boutique for a chat and down
the isle from her the smell of burned almonds nearly made me faint with
desire. You can imagine that a few bags made their way into my purse.
In the Rotunda
Just standing in the Rotunda and watching people go by is a
pleasant experience. Sooner or later some old friend or acquaintance will
stop by and say hello.
Thus
we also ran into Toni Bergmeier, the soul of the market, the man with all
the wonderful ideas, like the live nativity scene outside with real donkeys!
We have endless admiration for him, and have no idea how he does it all,
since he is also the National President of the German Canadian Congress and
on who knows how many other committees.
I could gush a bit more, but I think you got the message.
This year we will not do 2 December issues since we will be moving soon. So this is the time to remind you to take in some wonderful seasonal concerts and theatre. Take time to reflect during the holidays, and hopefully we will all see each other again in the next year!
Until then adios and Merry Christmas.
Sybille Forster-Rentmeister
Comments to: sfr@echoworld.com
