My granddaughter is an au pair in Munich and her host family has graciously invited me to stay with them over Christmas. What would be appropriate to bring as a Christmas/hostess gift? I would also like to give the three children some small gifts and I m thinking mabe some books.
As the weight of the books might pose a problem while traveling can you suggest something else? Would be acceptable if I sent my granddaughter money to purchase something there? I am very grateful to these people for inviting me and want to do the right thing! Please help me. Thank you.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Oh, thank you so much!
Posted by
Frankfurt am Main, Germany
2779 posts
Germans only know the Christmas stockings tradition from American movies. Why don't you prepare some stockings at home, fill with some good US candy, the kind you want people from other countries to really experience, and just put them around the fire place or whatever those people might have at night of the 24th?
Keep in mind to Germans Christmas Eve is the big thing. That's when presents get exchanged and carols might be sung. They don't really expect anything to happen in the morning of Dec 25th. So when they get up and see your stockings that might be a huge suprise to them. Bavarians don't believe in Santa Claus. To them, the Christ-Kindl brings the presents. So now could you even tell them that because you (and your grand child) are staying in this house not only did the Christ-Kindl bring the presents at Christmas Eve but also did Santa Claus stop by over night...
I know my family and I would really love this gesture.