Advent Calendar – 13 December

Being a bilingual, bicultural family is a gift—until it comes to Christmas. Then it feels more like a hilarious logistical challenge, complete with magical beings who should really sit down for a chat to streamline their roles. If you’ve ever wondered how to explain why one mythical gift-giver squeezes down chimneys while another swoops in through windows, you’re not alone. 🎁🎄🎅

Let’s break it down, shall we?

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The Case of St. Nikolaus: Chocolate-Selfies in Shoes 👢🍫

First up, Germany’s St. Nikolaus. On the night of 5th December, children place their boots by the door in the hopes of waking up to some treats. In some families, apparently they get actual presents. But traditionally, he leaves a mandarin, nuts, and—wait for it—a chocolate figurine of St. Nikolaus himself. Yes, the holy man leaves behind edible statues of himself. Humble, much?

It’s charming, really, but as a Brit, I can’t help but think: a mandarin? What is this, Victorian times? Why not something practical, like a pack of custard creams? But hey, it’s a harmless tradition. One chocolate St. Nikolaus figure lasts our little one until May, and frankly, if the child willingly eats fruit for breakfst, we’re calling it a win.

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Father Christmas : The Big Man with Chimney Privileges 🎅🎁

Meanwhile, over in Britain and most English-speaking countries, Father Santa Christmas Claus (a.k.a. St. Nick 2.0) is living his best life. He travels around the world with flying reindeer, slides down chimneys (regardless of whether your house actually has one), and fills stockings with small toys, sweets, and anything vaguely stocking-shaped. His system is suspiciously efficient!

Growing up, my parents cleverly packed our stockings with quiet toys we could play with at 5am so they could grab another hour of sleep. Genius. If that isn’t the real Christmas magic, I don’t know what is!

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Germany’s Christkind: Flying Baby Jesus 👼✨

Here’s where things get spicy. Inour region of Germany, presents are brought by the Christkind—a sort of angelic baby Jesus. Picture this: on Christmas Eve, at dusk, the Christ Child apparently flies in through the window (which must be open, I assume—enjoy the draft), decorates the Christmas tree and leaves all the presents.

ALL of them. No sharing credit with mum, dad, or kindly Aunty Anita. Forget the hours you spent wrapping gifts or putting batteries in the latest must-have toy. The Christkind gets all the glory. You? Nothing.

And who decided it was a good idea to decorate the tree last minute? This isn’t a Hollywood rom-com; it’s real life. By the time the tree is up and twinkling, I’d be ready for mulled wine and my PJs, not present opening and then a dinner on top! But no, you’ve got to rally, because apparently this is tradition.

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Elves on the Shelves: Visa Issues? 🤷‍♀️🎭

And then there’s this pesky Elf on the Shelf. When I waas a kid, the elves were busy at the North Pole making toys. Now? They’re sneaking into living rooms , pulling pranks and making parents sweat through December with increasingly creatove poses. Who authorised this? Do they have Schengen visas? Because I am not signing up for 24 nights of elf gymnastics from now until my child turns 12. Hard No from me, thanks!

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Our Bicultural Solution

So, what’s our plan? Well, it’s a bit of a patchwork quilt. St. Nikolaus gets a go — one chocolate figure, no drama. Then, we let Christkind handle a few gifts from the German side, but the tree is up from the start of December, and it’s our family tradition to decorate it together. Then, in the night from Christmas Eve to Christmas Day, Father Christmas flies in with his crew to find all the British kids and fill their stockings. The main presents? They go under the tree – like all well-behaved presents should – with tags that clearly state “Love from Mum & Dad”. Because quite frankly, we deserve some credit.

At the moment, our little one doesn’t speak much, so the German nursery can’t sabotage our plans with talk of flying Jesuses just yet. Next year? Who knows. By then, she might be grilling us about why Santa doesn’t deliver to her German classmates and why the Christkind didn’t leave a note.

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What’s Your Strategy? 🤔

Are you a fellow bilingual, bicultural parents trying to juggle multiple magical beings? How do you handle it? Do you consolidate traditions? Compartmentalise? Pretend Santa outsourced to the Christkind to save fuel costs?! I’d love to hear your stories and tips in the comments below!

After all, parenting is stressful enough without explaining why one magical being demands boots, another prefers stockings, and elves now have a side hustle in espionage.

And if this doesn’t apply to you, but you enjoyed reading – leave a Like to show the love! ❤️

Wishing you all a lovely Christmastime — and may your chocolate St. Nikolaus last until Easter!