Sparkling lights in the streets, Spekulatius biscuits and ginger bread, decorated Christmas trees and Christmas markets – all beloved and welcome signs for us Germans that the year is ending and we await the birth of Jesus Christ. But what about those that did not grow up in Germany or aren’t Christian? How do they perceive those traditions? Do they even know Christmas at all? And which holidays do they celebrate in their home countries?
To find answers to those questions the volunteers of the Sprachtreff Wülfrath invited all refugees to an advent afternoon under the slogan, “We celebrate Christmas, how about you?”. While enjoying some coffee and Christmas biscuits in a cozy atmosphere, individual experiences and rituals were exchanged and explained. The result of those discussions was the realization that even if the refugees weren’t Christians themselves they did know Christmas through their neighbors or friends. Many had even joined the celebrations in their home countries already. But they also explained their own holidays such as the Festival of Sacrifice and Nouruz, the Persian new year.
And yet, one thing remains the same through all festivities: family is what is most important and central in the celebrations. Eating, laughing and celebrating together, those are the moments that remain, that are remembered. And in that we aren’t that different after all, are we?
Text and photography: Judith Schumacher
