Who Brings the Gifts if Not Santa?
by S.W. Kirsch
If you visit us at the French Alpine Bistro in Aspen, Colorado, you’re sure to notice some time-honored Austrian holiday decorations and traditions, including an Advent wreath, which is thought to have its roots from about the 4th century. In that day and age, in many of the northern European regions during the cold, dark winters, families would create a circular wreath of evergreens, symbolizing everlasting life. Within the circle, even nowadays, four candles are placed in the center, with one being progressively lit each Sunday leading up to Christmas; together, they symbolize the virtues of hope, peace, love and joy. Occasionally, a fifth white candle is placed in the very center of the wreath to represent the angels and the birth of Christ.
In fact, to this day, in most German-speaking countries, it’s this very Christ - child (das Christkind) who brings the gifts on Christmas Eve. Excited children will write out their wish-lists and leave them on a window sill. Then, after the Christmas tree has been put up and decorated on the evening of 24th of December, the children are ushered out of the living room...not to return until they hear the bell, signaling that the Christ-child has flown to another house.
Featured Image: Our New Chalet - Perfect for Après-Ski & Safe Outdoor Dining
Of course, all gift-givers have helpers, and so it is with the Christkind. Many families and friends will shop for presents at outdoor Christmas markets or Christkindlmarkt. Originally known as a “December Market”, the first recorded Christmas market took place in Vienna, Austria, in the year 1298. It progressed from being a place to simply buy ingredients for meals to one where seasonal decorations, crafts, and treats could be found, as well as singing and dancing!
Throughout Austria and Germany, you can still find many festive Christkindlmarkt (aka Weihnachtsmarkt) in almost every city and village. They usually start at the end of November and stay open for business until around New Year’s. A popular drink at these markets is a delicious spiced, mulled wine, or “Glühwein”. Directly translated, it means, “Glow-wine”. The recipe generally calls for dry red wine, seasoned with cloves, cinnamon, sugar, anise, and oranges.
Guests can sip Glühwein at our new, custom-built “Ski Chalet”, which provides ample room for socially distanced dining. It, of course, also has all the same warm ambiance and cozy touches that our patrons have come to expect and appreciate. This holiday season, regardless of your traditions or beliefs, come celebrate with us!
Gift certificates are always a perfect stocking stuffer and can be used to treat your loved ones, friends, or even colleagues to our seasonal, gourmet dinner.
Take a look at our menu, and let all your senses be indulged, while at the same time enjoying the flickering candles that remind all of us of the hope, peace, love, and joy that do exist in the world.
