Santa or Christkind? Comparing the holiday season in Germany and the U.S.

Projektnummer:

23-1130

Speakers:

Margaret Stolzoff
Maria McPherson

Date:

Thursday, November 30, 2023, 6:30 p.m.

Place:

Congress Center Ramstein
Am Neuen Markt 4,
Ramstein-Miesenbach

Access via the restaurant.

Admission:

Admission is free including complimentary Plätzchen & Kinderpunsch. 

In cooperation with:

Welcome to Rheinland-Pfalz

Partner:

This event is kindly supported by the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs

About:

The holiday season is widely considered as special for various reasons and is filled with many traditions and customs many people hold dear. Germany is famous for its Christmas traditions such as Advent, the Christmas tree, Nikolaustag, Christmas Markets, Christmas characters, sweets, and foods. Many of these Christmas traditions have spread around the globe and have become an important part of local Christmas festivities in many different cultures including the U.S.

Together with Maria McPherson and Margaret Stolzoff, we will compare how the holidays are celebrated in Germany and the U.S. How did they carry on their own family rituals in a different cultural environment while also embracing their host nation’s holiday customs and festivities along the way? Furthermore, we will also give some insights into the most interesting things you can do during this time in the KMC area.

The event will take place at the Congress Center Ramstein, Am Neuen Markt 4, Ramstein-Miesenbach and is free of cost. We look forward to a certainly interesting discussion about your experience of the German holiday season in the area with Christmas cookies and a cup of famous German Kinderpunsch!

Panel:

Margaret Stolzoff

and her husband Brent have been an Army family for over 12 years, stationed all over the continental United States, Alaska, and Germany. Brent is in medical operations and Margaret’s background is in Exercise Science. She is currently a Yoga & Meditation teacher. Margaret & Brent have two precious girls and their adorable fur baby. They find joy in helping families find ways to create memories and find adventure while stationed overseas. Through their passion for travel, hiking, and exploring places both near and far, they hope that they can inspire you to get out and make the most of this beautiful opportunity living abroad. Follow them on their travels through their Facebook & Instagram Page: Kaiserslautern Day Tripper @ktowndaytripper. 

Maria McPherson

is a German native of Bielefeld, Germany, holding an MBA, M.A. in Slavic Studies, and certification as a German Teacher. She is a proactive and passionate educator specializing in teaching foreign languages and fostering cross-cultural learning experiences. With a diverse professional journey spanning nineteen years, Maria has accumulated extensive experience across joint U.S. military services, private sector organizations, and public school systems in both the U.S. and Germany. This journey has refined her intercultural competence and cross-functional expertise in training, education, and relocation management. Having navigated the unique challenges of living abroad as a high school student, university student,  and while raising a family with different cultural backgrounds, Maria brings a profound understanding to her work. Weihnachten (Christmas) holds a special place in her heart, reflecting her deep appreciation for cultural traditions.