After a meeting in early December, German Club students were pleasantly surprised when "Nikolaus" left treats in their shoes and boots outside of their classroom at the middle school. On Friday, December 5, Nikolaus made a stop at a meeting of the Middle School German Club. Sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students (yes, even eighth graders!) each placed one of their shoes outside the classroom where the meeting was held, and then went inside to watch a film about holiday celebrations in German-speaking countries and to enjoy some breakfast pastries. While club members were occupied, their shoes were filled with assorted candies and sweets... the reward for "being good."

One of many customs practiced during Advent, the gift giving of Sankt Nikolaus is based on the good deeds of the Bishop of Myra who lived in 300 AD, and who, in the tenth century, became the patron saint of sailors and children in Western Europe. It is said that he gave gold coins to the poor, and on one occasion, the coins rolled from the windowsill where he had placed them into shoes (or socks) drying below. Hence, "stockings hung by the chimney..." Eventually, the figure of Nikolaus evolved into our own Santa Claus.

Garden City German Club middle schoolers toured the Moravian settlement while in Bethlehem, Pa. on December 13th for "Christkindlmarkt". Also traditional for the Advent period is the Christkindlmarkt or holiday market. On Saturday, December 13th, German Club members traveled to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania to tour a German settlement dating back to 1741, and to experience an American version of the holiday market. In cities in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland the Stadtmitte or center of the city becomes a beautifully decorated pedestrian zone where small stands are set up and people sell a variety of foods, warm beverages, and holiday crafts. As they savor a cup of Schokolade, shoppers enjoy live music provided by local musicians and choirs. Garden City students participating in the field trip had the opportunity to learn about the way of life of a group of early German-Americans and to experience the festive atmosphere created by them during this time of year.

The final club activity for the month (and our most popular) took place during the morning meeting on December 19th. Following a very old German tradition, students molded marzipan (almond paste) into candies shaped like animals or fruit. They finished the paste with food coloring and cloves (which became stems of fruit or tails of animals.) To ensure that their creations were edible, they wore sterile gloves and worked on a surface covered by parchment paper! Club parent, Mrs. Pauley, assisted Frau Hecker and the students, and treated all to freshly baked ginger snap cookies.

The eighth grade boys posed in front of the holiday tree at "Christkindlmarkt," a traditional market offering holiday crafts, foods, and warm beverages.

Pictured here are German Club members (left to right), "Carsten" McGarry, Kathryn Kenny and Katie Doud completing their molded marzipan candies.