“I saw the Christ Child,” reports Rosa (4) excitedly.
“It passed outside and waved to us, in a long white dress and curls in her hair.” Her sister Johanna (6) also saw this.
But other than that, it's all a big secret.
Hergolding - At the farm of the Schmid family in Hergolding (Vaterstetten municipality) the Christ Child seems to pass by more often.
Because now in the run-up to Christmas, something new always arrives at some point in the night for the Advent decoration in the house, for example a little angel.
Always a surprise for the children.
Little by little, the rooms fill up with jewelry until Christmas Eve.
"When the Christ Child brings that, you usually don't see it," explains Mama Michaela (34).
The two daughters nod eagerly.
Then there are the stickers that come on the windows.
“Everything in gold, stars and snowflakes,” announced Johanna.
"But we have to clean the windows first."
Everything in gold, stars and snowflakes
The younger one is sitting on the sofa in the large eat-in kitchen, leafing through a book, the older one is in the first grade of the school in Parsdorf, doing homework at the table.
“I've already written a letter to the Christ Child,” she says proudly.
This is where your wishes are.
There is also a special Advent calendar with small bags on a string that hangs over the railing of the stairs.
"There was already a piece of candy in there," says Johanna.
“Or an eraser, or a small pen,” says her sister.
Dad Gerhard (33) is meanwhile in the stable with one-year-old Anton.
Preferably raspberry vanilla tea
“Advent is a somewhat quieter time for us,” says the farmer.
The children enjoy drinking tea together in the warm room when it gets cold outside.
“Preferably raspberry vanilla,” says Johanna.
And then of course baking cookies.
Vanilla croissants are favorites for the older daughter.
She knows exactly what she is doing.
"You first make the dough, then you make small balls and then you roll it." Then you bake.
"Finally, add some sugar on top." Then, full of anticipation, a "Hmmm."
When the bell rings
They also do handicrafts, including jewelry for the Christmas tree. But the children are only allowed to see the finished tree on Christmas Eve. “There's a little bell that tinkles,” Johanna knows. The tree is then beautiful. “And underneath are the presents.” Her sister Rosa has a double celebration. Because she was born two days before Christmas Eve, so it will be her birthday soon. "We can celebrate a lot there." Mama Michaela adds: "Big families are very important to us." There will be many visits around Christmas, starting with the grandmothers. In the village, even if Hergolding is very close to the city, “it's still very different,” says the farmer. "Maybe that has something to do with agriculture."
The next highlight for the children is when the first candle on the Advent wreath is lit.
“Advent, Advent, a little light is on”, Rosa sings spontaneously and is already looking forward to it.
“Singing together is nice,” says mom.
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