Marc and all, the service at Germanna sounds absolutely lovely. I can picture the snow falling and Silent Night being played for the first time in the little candle lit church in Germany. Just wondering what German traditions might be carried on by my Germanna kin. Our grandkids do the cookies for Santa, the reindeer food, the candle in the window to lead baby Jesus and one that never deviates. Ray and I send a book to each grandchild pertaining to the real meaning of Christmas (no Santa, no snowmen, no reindeer). The books are opened and read Christmas Eve at bedtime. They have now added the Elf on the Shelf to their Christmas traditions (parents and grandparents -- this is a fun activity-- check it out a your local bookstore). They all have nativity scenes and when the kida are little they put hay "paper strips" in the crib when they are kind and sweet to others. They have advent calendars filled with a sweet each day. We eat and drink WELL on Christmas morning when openin! g our presents. At the time of our ancestors arrival in this country -- I don't think there was a Santa Claus and the Feast of St. Nicholas was probably celebrated. But for all the historians in the group -- how was Advent and Christmas celebrated and what are some historical traditions. WHEW that was a long dissertation just to get to my last point. Take care all. If you don't hear from me again before Thursday -- Merry Christmas. Marilyn