Well, we experienced one of our first truly disappointing cultural differences on Halloween. The kids had high expectations that Halloween would be somewhat the same as in Seattle even though I warned them that Halloween is an American holiday and not really a German one. Their school had a huge party - bigger than any school Halloween party either of them have ever seen so I think their expectations were even higher.
Our neighbor said that there are areas in our neighborhood that celebrate it and that we could trick or treat around here.
They did give fare warning that there is an area in Dahlem with a lot of US expats and diplomats and if we really want to see real Halloween in Germany that is where we should go. It is a 20 minute ish bus ride away and I reasoned that the kids really don't need THAT much candy.
It turned out that only about one out of every 12-15 houses were actually prepared and participating in the holiday. We were told that you had to look for a CARVED and LIT pumpkin otherwise you shouldn't ring the buzzer. It turned into more of an Easter Egg hunt than anything with a lot of frustration from both kids that they had to walk 4X as much as in West Seattle and they received 10X less candy.
Also, it was strange. The houses were clearly marked with their pumpkins but half of the people that came to the gate or door with candy were totally grumpy. Clearly, it is more than optional to participate so why do it if you don't want to. Also, some of the houses just had a large bowl filled with unwrapped candy.
They took a spoon and scooped a spoonful and then just dropped it in the bag. Or sticks of licorice type stuff. Most houses gave out little "bonbons" which are just like a jolly rancher but the type you get after dinner at some restaurants. Not really much in the way of chocolate bars.
What the Germans do well, however, is a nice outdoor potluck, bonfire, s'mores and over the fire bread cooking. Our neighbors (Aurora and Nils' family) invited us to their potluck/bonfire and it was really nice. Most of the outdoor bonfires had little tea lights in bags to decorate the space. The 31st is a national holiday in Germany so the majority had the day off of work. The weather was perfect. Just slightly chilly but not one rain drop.
The holiday wasn't about stuffing your bags with more candy than you could ever possibly (or should) eat. I actually liked it but as you can imagine the kids were sorely disappointed.
I'm sure they will forget to remember about "cultural differences" come St. Nicholas day.. the German holiday where "St. Nicholas" fills your empty boots with candy...
And just to pour salt in our Halloween wounds I heard from several friends from the kids' school who did go to the American streets in Dahlem and had HUGE bags filled with candy. Oh, well. You win some and you lose some.
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