Ascension’s Christkindl Fest

Posted on November 4, 2022 | Posted by Mary Stoneback

We’re grateful you joined us for Ascension’s 3rd annual Christkindl Fest! We hope the evening was full of great food, fellowship and you found some unique gifts and made some new friends. Mark your calendars for Saturday December 9 for Fest 2023. We value your experience and feedback and invite you to share your Christkindl Fest feedback with us. This helps us plan for next year! You can share your feedback by filling out this short Google form: https://forms.gle/M1cFSZLFLojwAcg8A

Fest 2022 Photo Highlights

Fest 2022 VIRTUAL EVENT BOOKLET

Click HERE to learn all that happened at Fest 2022!

TO RSVP, CLICK ON THE GIFT BOX

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WHAT TO EXPECT?

• Friendly people
• German food, drink and treats
• Warm fires
• Christmas market vendors
• Christmas caroling by candlelight
• Crafts
• Something for all ages!

Check out this year’s Virtual Booklet!

What is a Christkindl Fest?

Christmas markets have been a German tradition since at least the mid 1500s. Seasonal markets were held in Germany year around. Christmas markets were an especially joyous, anticipated event, as they brought light and and laughter to a cold, dark season. Christmas markets, known as Christkindlmarkts, were a festive meeting place for people. Villagers bought and sold homemade Christmas ornaments, decorations, and gifts.

Martin Luther’s Role in Christmas Customs

Religious Reformer Martin Luther played a major role in our current Christmas customs. Luther instituted new Christmas gift giving traditions. Before Luther, the exchange of Christmas presents took place on the Saint Days of St.. Nicholas (December 6) or St. Martin (November 11). The tradition of giving gifts to children on Christmas became a boon to the Markets. Luther suggested that children receive presents from “The Christ Child”, Christkindl. Christkindl is a romantic, fairy like being, dressed in white and gold, with golden hair topped by a golden crown. Christkindl is the German equivalent of Santa Claus.

In the spirit of the season, we will receive donations at the event for The KPC Respite Center.

This coming Advent season, Ascension looks forward to welcoming all to a gathering full of delicious food, gifts, fellowship, sounds of the season and more. Bring your family, invite your friends and share the gift and love of the Christ child. RSVP today!

This year’s Christkindl Fest is dedicated in loving memory of member, Dennis Bagenstos. Dennis was a strong team member and avid supporter of the Christkindl Fest from the beginning.