Even though Germany is the origin of many of the Christmas traditions we celebrate today, it might surprise you to know how the Dollhopfs celebrated the holidays before Johann Dollhopf left the village of Mistelbach bound for Pittsburgh in 1871. They never had a Christmas tree, never opened an Advent calendar or lit an Advent wreath; never kissed under the mistletoe, never sent Christmas cards, never knew Santa Claus; did not exchange presents other than fruit, nuts, and sweets, and of course didn’t have electricity, so they didn’t string lights. How did they celebrate?
