German Christmases in the Colonies

Most of the immigrants coming to the colonies came from the British Isles and Germany. Christmas celebrations varied among the Germans, depending on which groups you mean. The Brethren, the Mennonites, and the Amish didn't celebrate at all. Lutheran, Reformed, and Moravians looked forward to the holiday and loved to celebrate.

By 1700, thousands of Germans, mostly from the Rhine provinces, poured into the colonies, especially to the Pennsylvania area. They likely brought the idea of having a Christmas tree with them, although some scholars think that the first one may have been with the Hessian soldiers at Trenton in 1776. The German tradition of secret gifts given to children on Christmas Eve night eventually turned into Kris Kringle, a forerunner of Santa Claus.

Moravians settled mainly in North Carolina, Georgia, and Pennsylvania. They believed in a strict interpretation of the Scripture and considered food and music a good way to worship. For Christmas, they held a love feast with Bible readings, singing, lighting candles, and food. The congregation gathered

together and shared a holiday meal. Lebkuchen, a cookie made with honey, orange peels, and almonds was a traditional Christmas favorite. The Moravians also brought the putz, an elaborate nativity scene placed under the Christmas tree or somewhere in the home. The putz was really a series of scenes depicting different parts of the events leading up to and after the Christ Child's birth.

In Cleared for Planting, my historical novel scheduled to be released next month, Edgar's family, the Moretzes, are Germans living in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina. They celebrate Christmas with a tree, presents, and a meal. As you can see, many of our Christmas traditions today originated from early German immigrants.

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