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Club Shares Tannenbaum Tradition

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By LAURA CONE

The Sun

Published: December 17, 2008

Walter Geissler of Sun City Center recently lit the grand live Christmas tree in the atrium donated by the German-American Club as part of their annual tradition.

After setting the tree aglow, members of the German-American Club of Sun City Center led a crowd of more than 75 people in German Christmas songs such as "O Tannenbaum," and "Still Nacht" or "Silent Night."

Kurt Nolden, the president of the club, said the official tree lighting ceremony has been a joy for the club members. It is also a breathtaking joy for people when they enter the atrium at the main complex for the Sun City Center Community Association.

"We do the ceremony every year to get people in the holiday spirit and to keep the traditions of Christmas as we are used to it in Germany," said Nolden, who came to America from Germany in 1954.

Ilona Merritt, a past president of the club, said the event was really a three-day endeavor which began with obtaining the blue spruce, decorating it and preparing traditional treats.

Helga Balter baked more than 500 German cookies for the event.

"The Christmas tree came from Germany," said Merritt, wearing a traditional German outfit.

Rosemary Skummer of Sun City Center said her mother emigrated from Germany to America in 1917 and her father in 1920.

"I think this is super," Skummer said. "It's my tradition. I'm glad they started the club. I just love it. We have a good time."

Bill Hohmann, another participant, said he looks forward to the Christmas caroling every year as well as the goodies.

Editor Laura Cone may be reached at lcone@mediageneral.com.

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