One thing about a German Christmas is the lovely, meaningful Christmas carols that are sung and played and hummed at Christmas markets, churches, and homes.
There are several songs that are not well-known in America, and I feel like anyone who doesn't know them is missing out! So, I want to share a few of my favorites.
This song is sung here by Heintje, a Dutch boy who became a popular German child singer and actor in the 1960's:
This song was originally a poem written by a Lutheran pastor in 1895 (Eduard Ebel). He later called it a children's song. It is also considered a song for the Advent season because of its anticipation of Christ's coming.
Leise rieselt der Schnee
Leise rieselt der Schnee,
still und starr ruht der See
weihnachtlich glänzet der Wald:
Freue dich, Christkind kommt bald!
In den Herzen ist’s warm,
still schweigt Kummer und Harm,
Sorge des Lebens verhallt:
Freue dich, Christkind kommt bald!
's Kindlein, göttlich und arm,
Macht die Herzen so warm.
Strahle, du Stern überm Wald!
Freue dich, Christkind kommt bald!
Bald ist heilige Nacht,
Chor der Engel erwacht,
hört nur, wie lieblich es schallt:
Freue dich, Christkind kommt bald!
What I love the most about this song is its message of the true meaning of Christmas - the words "Freue dich, Christkind kommt bald!" means Rejoice, the Christ child comes soon.
Quietly Falls the Snow - English translation
Quietly falls the snow,
Silent and still lies the lake/sea,
Christmas shines over the woods.
Rejoice, Christ child comes soon!
There is warmth in our hearts,
Free from sorrow and grief,
Worries in life disappear,
Rejoice, Christ child comes soon!
The Child, divine and poor,
Makes the heart so warm,
Shine, you star above the wood,
Rejoice, Christ Child comes soon!
Soon is holy night,
The choir of angels awake,
Listen how lovely it sounds:
Rejoice, Christ child comes soon!
What is your favorite German Christmas carol?
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