23 Dec, 2024

Weihnachtssingen 2024

Report by Toril Torlei

For a long time, the most magical thing for me was dancing “ring-dance” in the Faroe Islands on Olsok-night (night to 29 July). 7000 people hand in hand through the streets of Torshavn, singing old folk songs. That is no longer the case. After experiencing Weihnachtssingen at Stadion An der Alten Försterei, the world has gained a new dimension.

I had been looking forward to it for many weeks. I told everyone I met about this fantastic phenomenon. And I must say, as a resident of Charlottenburg, the response was touching. There they stood, all these Hertha fans, telling with tears in their eyes how amazing they found Union. Union with its social engagement, Union with its Weihnachtssingen, Union that says no to sponsors because they do not want to support the war industry.

I was a bit taken aback when I received the instructions for volunteers. The event started at two, the actual singing started at seven. Everything was supposed to take place outdoors from four at the latest, and I am sensitive to the cold. I made lists: Hat, scarf, mittens, double wool sweaters, double wool long johns, double wool socks. Padded ski pants? Moonboots?

Finally, the day arrived. I arrived at das Fanhaus around three. Soon Micha and Josh came, and after a few inspiring words from the boss, we headed to our assigned area, station 1. Entrance for those who had chosen the seating stand or the grass. For almost an hour, we – along with another fan club – inserted candles into protective holders. An unimaginable amount of candles and holders. Then it was just a matter of waiting. Precisely at five, the gates opened.

Unfortunately, it wasn't just the gates that opened. It had been raining the whole time, but now the heavens opened up. It poured. And still, our task, to distribute candles and songbooks to everyone, was fantastic. Meeting all these people, most of whom had Weihnachtssingen as a Christmas tradition, was to meet joy. They beamed.

There were young and old. Some very old who needed support and help, some so young they still had the innocent look of a child. And yes, there were children, many children. And adults. There were face-tattooed and clean-shaven, Botox-treated and NAV-negotiating, all with the same expectant look. A mother with four children and some coins wondering how much a candle cost. Experiencing the Christmas miracle when it was free and one for each. Old-timers who suddenly saw that the handle on the mug could be a candle holder. And Santa hats. I have never seen so many Santa hats.

A bit delayed, we were underway. Black sky. A stadium lit by a few floodlights and twenty-five thousand lit candles. A break in the rain.

It started with our hymn. Resounding sing-along. Because with the songbook, you can sing along to everything, not just the chorus. Later followed Christmas songs interspersed with the occasional Union song. And the Christmas gospel. That was a surprise. But even in secular Berlin, people listened in reverence, and it is indeed a beautiful story.

Time passed. The feeling cannot be described; it must be experienced. You sit or stand in a sea of light and song and people. You don't notice the rain, you don't notice the cold. Until your teeth chatter so much they drown out all other sound. A little before nine, I had to give up. If not, I wouldn't be alive to participate next year. Because I will. Next year and the year after and every year. Christmas tradition at first attempt.

Toril Torlei – Bamsegjengen