Today, we’re pleased to introduce you to Toni from Saxony, Germany. Toni’s career at Granlibakken started in 2004 as an accounting intern. Since then, she’s worn different hats around the resort. Today, you can find Toni managing the maintenance department or out on the ski hill instructing. She’s here to share her holiday traditions from East Germany.
On December 6th, Toni and her family would clean out their shoes and then leave one shoe outside the door to be filled with candy, fruits and nuts the next morning, much like our familiar tradition of hanging stockings on the fireplace.
Then four days before Christmas, Toni and her family would light three candles on the holiday wreath, leaving the last candle unlit until Christmas Eve.
Christmas Eve is for decorating the tree and spending time with family. A walk is part of the day’s activities. And upon returning home, gifts are laying beneath the tree. Evening brings church performances and a homemade family dinner, which for Toni included potato salad, sauerkraut and bratwurst. Family visits continue into Christmas Day and the following with a traditional feast that includes either duck or rabbit, dumplings and red cabbage with dark gravy.
Throughout the winter, you’ll be hearing more from Toni – with her winter, ski instructor hat on. And when you visit the resort, you’ll surely see her running by so be sure to say “Guten Tag”!
