CHRISTMAS IN AMERICA

Christmas took on a special meaning with having a baby in the family. Gretl and Marta were the only ones who still believed in the Christ Child bringing their gifts. They became terribly confused when the other children started talking about Santa Claus.

Maria had to find a story that connected the two ideas. After reading several stories, Maria put them all together and then told the girls her own story. She started by showing them a map of the world.

"Girls we live on planet Earth, made up of many different countries." She pointed to Austria where they were born and then to America where they now live. She also showed them where Jesus was born 2000 years ago. She went on to say, "the people of the world all lived near where Jesus was born. Then explorers found new places, like Austria, Switzerland and then America. Everywhere people celebrate Christmas, just a little different. Americans first believed in a strict bishop who rode on a white horse; then he was called St. Nicholas. Later a poet wrote a poem about "jolly old St. Nicolas."

The girls smiled, they had heard the song "Jolly Old St. Nicholas," sung by their friends. "Yes, that's right," their Mother said.

"And then St. Nicholas became Santa Claus as pictures of him were drawn showing him to be, a plump kindly man dressed in a red suit. Girls it doesn't matter if you write your letter to the Christ Child or to Santa Claus, St. Nicholas will still bring good little boys and girls their gifts." Then she read to them the story, "Santa and the Christ Child."

Georg knew what he needed to do to prepare for Advent, make their wreath, but where would he get the fur tree branches. There was no forest nearby.

"George, I need your help. I need to make our Advent Wreath. Where can I get some fur tree branches?"

"From the Christmas Tree vendor."

"You, mean to tell me you don't cut down your own tree?"

"No, Georg, you can't just go to a forest and cut down trees."

"The boys are going to be very disappointed."

"Come my friend, the vendor is just down the street from the campus."

George explained Georg's dilemma. "No problem," the vendor said and showed him a pile of small tree branches. "Take as many as you need," then, "don't wait too long to buy your tree."

"We don't put it up until Christmas Eve."

The man smiled, he remembered another Austrian family several years ago. "I'll save a good one for you."

Back at the house, Kurt and Brigitta helped him assemble their wreath; it was just as beautiful as last year. Georg hung it over the table, attached it to the chandelier. It was the perfect height. The Red Christ Candle was placed below it on the table.

Maria had saved their Advent Calendar and she once again hung it for all to see; and as last year every morning they opened a new flap, read and shared the scripture and its meaning for them today.

At the first Sunday of Advent the children proudly sang each hymn. Their voices were loud and clear and the other parishioners marveled at their harmony. On their way out, Father George asked Maria, "Will you sing Mary's song for us."

Maria smiled as she nodded; she loved to sing that song. Father went on to ask, "Does anyone play the guitar?"

"Yes, Liesl and I both do, but we don't have a guitar."

"No problem I have one, then you will play it for Silent Night on Christmas Eve?"

"I'd be happy to."

The next day at work, George came into to see Georg. "The big game is Saturday."

"The big game?"

"Yes, Georg, the bus leaves at nine in the morning, there's room for all your family. And, waving tickets in his had, I have tickets for everyone."

Again Georg asked, "What game George?"

"The Army-Navy football game."

"Ah, football, the American equivalent of soccer, I'll need to ask Maria."

"Maria, before the boys hear this, I need to tell you. George wants all of us to go to the football game in Philadelphia on Saturday." She gave him a confused look and so he explained everything.

"Not me and the baby."

"Yes, everyone, there are enough of us to take turns holding her."

"Well, we must get in touch with Elsa and Max."

"Of course."

Max and Elsa were excited, Elsa would put them all up in a hotel and Max, now that he has money, told Georg. "I'll buy you return tickets for the train."

Georg had laughed, "So finally you're not a sponge."

Saturday was a beautiful day, not a cloud in the sky. The children were all excited. Georg had explained the game of football to everyone. Even Marta and Gretl were happy to be going. Well, Barbara just came along for the ride.

That night after the game which Navy won by seven points, Max and Elsa treated them to a nice dinner, joining them were Rita and Anna. The next day they attended Mass at a church just around the corner from the hotel. Max and Elsa met them for lunch and then Max took them to the train station.

Christmas was coming, too quick for Maria, she had shopping to do. Taking advantage of the last days of school for the children, she and Barbara went Christmas shopping. It was hard this year, only Marta and Gretl had written their lists. Maria was determined to get everyone something special. One child was easy, Kurt, he was getting a football; Friedrich and Rolf, cufflinks. For Liesl a piece of jewelry, a ceramic Edelweiss pin, Brigitta had tickets for the Catholic Youth Conference in Washington DC and for Marta, a memory box, Gretl wanted hair barrettes, similar to what Marta got last year. Everyone bought Barbara toys, but Maria bought her first doll.

Christmas Eve was just like last year, they spent the afternoon decorating the tree, then they went to Mass where Maria did play the guitar for Silent Night. While they were at church, George and Karla took the childrens' gifts out of hiding and placed them around the tree.

Everyone was on the floor surrounding Barbara; she could sit up but still fell backwards occasionally. Kurt loved Barbara, he had helped Maria with her on their trip, he was big for his age and had grown quite strong. He loved to make her laugh.

The children all helped her unwrapped her gifts. As with all nine month old babies she liked to play with the paper and the boxes as much as the gifts. Of course she received more than the others, they didn't care, they loved to watch her. Among her gifts were a small Teddy Bear, stacking rings, her first book, Winnie the Pooh, a small wooden rocking horse was a gift from Uncle George and Karla and then the adorable doll from her mother and father, a doll with a soft body but whose eyes opened and closed.

After all their gifts were opened, they sang Christmas carols, each taking a turn playing the recorder. Soon they noticed, Barbara had fallen asleep in Kurt's arms. Quietly, they sang "Lullaby, Jesus" which their mother had taught them.

It had been a long day for everyone and one by one the children went to their rooms. Maria and Georg made the rounds, praying with each one and blessing them with the sign of the cross before they fell asleep.

With Barbara sound asleep in her crib, Georg and Maria talked and marveled at all they blessings they had received.