Angelika Christmas is just around the corner. During this time of year, people often like to reflect and think critically about various things. I am taking this opportunity in our Christmas letter to address a very hot topic -- even at the risk that not everyone will be thrilled. Please forgive me if there isn't only "peace and joy" to unwrap.

While here in America everyone is discussing the ongoing topic of the "presidential election," over there, it's all about the "German guiding culture." This term has really got me thinking. What exactly does it mean? Even the countless articles and comments in the Süddeutsche Zeitung and the New York Times didn't really help me understand it. So, just for fun, I'm turning the tables. What if Michael and I were to follow the "American guiding culture" here in the USA?

Does this mean that from now on we should only speak English at home and only read American authors? Would German newspapers and news still be okay? Would we have to honor Thanksgiving, the most sacred of all American holidays, even though I find the national dish, turkey, far too dry and see nothing more in this holiday than a nice long weekend? Would we be expected to wave flags and admire the traditional fireworks on July 4th, America's Independence Day? Should we sing along to the American national anthem and place our hand on our heart at the start of baseball or football games in the stadium? Would we still be allowed to traditionally open our presents on the evening of December 24th, or would we have to move everything to the morning of the 25th, as the Americans do? Would an Advent wreath still be okay, or would the Christmas tree have to be fully decorated and adorned with electric candles in the living room by the first Advent weekend, as is customary here?

I can already hear your outcry: That's ridiculous! No one cares about when someone puts up their Christmas tree! Hmm, maybe. But what if Muslims in Germany insist that their "Ramadan" is honored and do not want their children to participate in school Christmas celebrations?

You can already tell that I find the debate about the "German Leitkultur" as misplaced as can be. I even find the choice of words questionable, as a lot of negative connotations can be interpreted into this term. It sounds as if there is a superior culture that everyone should follow. Even the New York Times had difficulty translating this term into English. The article sometimes left "Leitkultur" as it is or attempted "Guiding Culture." I believe that the discussions should focus much more on finding approaches for constructive coexistence. Here are a few examples to ponder:

Michael came home recently and told me that his colleague, a Muslim, doesn't schedule meetings on Friday mornings because he goes to the mosque for prayers - no problem. Michael is also currently enjoying the fact that his other colleague, usually a table tennis ace, is strictly fasting for Ramadan and now always loses to Michael because he feels a bit unsteady on his feet (just a side note for your amusement). Then there's the American compromise, where everyone gets so-called "personal holidays" that they can take whenever they want. This way, the Chinese can celebrate their New Year, the Jew can celebrate Hanukkah, the atheist can take their birthday off, and Michael can take the second day of Christmas off. However, there are no additional days off for Easter and Pentecost, and only the 25th is a holiday for Christmas.

Sometimes, Americans really do think quite practically. And so that you don't accuse me of being completely Americanized and not critical enough of the USA, I'll quickly add that, conversely, I find the belief of most Americans quite strange that their country is the greatest of all and that everyone should be grateful to live here. During the election campaign, this almost naive pride in their own country was heard repeatedly from the mouths of both George Bush and Al Gore--and neither of them thought anything of it. The phrase "God bless America!" is also meant quite literally. On the other hand, immigrants are certainly allowed to express their own culture, as long as America's security is not threatened. This is why you find neighborhoods like North Beach (Italian district), Japantown, or Chinatown in San Francisco, where you not only encounter the culinary delights of each country (including the Japanese supermarket that Michael mentioned in the last newsletter), but also where there is room to express the unique cultural characteristics, which is also reflected in the streetscape. This always fascinates many visitors in San Francisco. In Chinatown, you can immerse yourself a little in another world.

And finally, a note on the topic of "bilingualism." In my opinion, it is far too often overlooked and underutilized as an advantage. Yes, it is sensible and necessary for foreigners in Germany or elsewhere to speak the language of the country. I certainly couldn't imagine living here without knowledge of English. Nevertheless, it is important to continue nurturing one's native language and to speak it within one's own home. Bilingualism is a plus, not a flaw.

So, now I'll stop with the serious topics again. All that's left is for me to wish you all a Merry Christmas.

And in the spirit of bilingualism: Merry Christmas!

Angelika und Michael