December 2003 - Nr. 13
Now more than ever do I think that this fest of all fests is all about future. It is the story about a child that was born, then dies and lives forever and with that changed the world; and it is about the children and young people that represent our future now. It is about the love and magic we need to create and preserve to have a future. It is about giving, not taking; it is about sharing and caring, not turning away.
This can only occur in an environment that is sane enough to also create an aesthetic effect and the surrounding amenities to foster good deeds. If children are exposed to elements that create understanding, tolerance and goodwill our future can be enhanced.
Such a venue was definitely the Christkindl Market in
Kitchener. As every year, this successful venue features true German
Christmas spirit, which has become unique and much emulated by many
cities/countries.
(Only Toronto seems to have a hard time. City Hall has not
realized yet that the idea of a German style market at this time could be a
boon for the city. I had spoken to John Tory about this during his election
campaign and the other ethnic journalist that were present. They all agreed
with me that it would be a worthwhile cause to support and develop. Call
City Hall now and you will be hard pressed to find someone who knows that
there is in fact a market out there!)
A
huge Christmas tree stands in front of Kitchener’s City Hall, and is
actually called a Christmas tree!
All along the skating rink, where the
littlest ones are already practising the national sport,
huts stood,
offering food and drink such as
hot red mulled wine, Linsensuppe (lentil soup) and apple fritters. Here also
the stage was located and a lot of music was being played and performed
there by many choirs and musical groups.
We heard the Concordia School Children’s Choir. The sweet
voices filled the space inside
and outside of City Hall with so much cheer,
everyone instantly smiled.
The Szauter family and Forget-Me-Nots performed
to the delight of all. The group had a full program of instrumental music,
vocal offerings in solo and group performances, choir and dancing.
|
|
|
|
We never stop marvelling at the uniqueness and versatility this family has to offer.
Suzi Szauter was finishing to knit a sweater for a little
boy who was visiting and Rachel stood tall and self-possessed visiting with
other youth she otherwise only meets over the Internet.
What a fine example these young people and their families are setting for others to admire and emulate.
While listening to the Concordia Choir with their wonderful
mature voices and enthusiasm I searched the audience for children. Many
young parents were there and carried their kids on their shoulders. All of
them were listening spellbound to the music of Christmas.
Inside, on two levels, many stands and booths offered
wonderful crafts and arts and toys and gifts and
Christmas cookies and
cakes, candles and ornaments, smart accessories and hand woven blankets, and
all sorts of other paraphernalia.
There was also a miniature train exhibition and on the
Saturday afternoon already more than
10 thousand people had walked through
it alone!
The real live nativity scene with a darling donkey always
draws crowds. Outside a postal station for letters to Santa Claus was also
busy,
and a smith demonstrated the art of heating and tempering red-hot
iron.
There was so much to see and do! Six hours were not enough
to experience it all!
It was the ideal environment and made children out of grown ups too, and if only for this short while. The memories of old were revived and brought out the best in all of us.
Austrian Advent Celebration
The Canadian Austrian Association held its annual Advent
gathering in Toronto’s downtown Chelsea Inn. Here too the Szauters and
Forget-Me-Nots were performing. One wonders, what would happen if they were
not around. They are so very generous with their time and talents, too
generous, if I am asked. I feel they should be more appreciated in the form
of actual fees, not donations, especially since they have long outgrown
their amateur status with pure professionalism.
The association’s president Christine Meyer had welcomed the
numerous guests warmly in a lengthy address, some of them prominently known
in our community.
Special guest was Dr. Wendelin Ettmayer, who is moving
from his post as ambassador to Austria in Canada to a new post in the very
near future. He took the opportunity to thank everyone for their support on
his not
always easy mission in Canada. We can recall the scrutiny Austria
was put under for quite a while. But the participation of Austrians
Canadians in the process of establishing improved relations between the two
nations was duly noticed by Dr. Ettmayer.
Native artist Henry Kataquapit presented him with a remembrance token of his art.
Gunther Kunzelmann read
poems and other poetic Christmas ponderings and all got to sing along nearly
a dozen favourite songs.
Last year an Austrian tradition was honoured with a
collection and this year too the SOS Children’s Villages received a
spontaneous donation of over 200 dollars, which no doubt will be put to good
use. (find a link to this organisation in our online listings)
Goulash soup with "Salzstangerl" was served mid-evening,
after everyone was already quite full with the traditional goodies of cake,
cookies and Mandarin Oranges and nuts.
Coffee and "Schlag" with chocolate shavings finished off an
evening that was perfect as far as Christmas parties go. The only thing
missing were more children. Perhaps next year?
Hansa House Christmas
But there were children at the Hansa House Christmas party. This annual affair is becoming livelier every year. Grandparents bring their children and grandchildren, even great grandchildren. It is clear to see were the future lies here. When little ones sing and play together in a warm and caring environment, and see other children excel at something they would like to be able to do too, like singing and bell playing or dancing, then we make it possible for our culture to continue to exist.
Clearly, Christmas is for children, to warm our hearts and to celebrate the continuation of life and its eternity.
Merry Christmas everyone!
Sybille Forster-Rentmeister
Comments to: sfr@echoworld.com
