It's Easy To Tannenschlag
When you are invited to a Tannenschlag celebration, it is essential and easy to participate and observe the customs!
Save the date
Tannenschlag is always the first Saturday in December.
Fashion your look
Wear all hues of pink and orange. Neckwear of any variety is required. Bonus points for dressing on theme.
Craft a haiku, short poem, or song that celebrates the season to share at the open mic. Create new lyrics for a traditional carol, and print them in advance to give out to guests for the sing-along. Brevity is a Tannenschlag virtue.
Write a haiku or song
Bring a white elephant gift
Bring a wrapped gift you would absolutely never want to receive for the Krappengeben exchange. Do not spend money! Instead, reallocate your (scandalous?) cast-offs in a clever way.
Check for host-specific traditions
Confirm if your host has included other traditions, such as games of package stacking and gift wrapping (Kartonspiel) and competitions to see who could bring the longest receipt (Die Mülliste). These vary per event so read your invite carefully.
Tannenschlag is always a week after Black Friday, when your postal carrier and delivery drivers are at their busiest. Thank them with cards, gifts, grab-and-go treats on your porch, or an in-person tip!
Thank your delivery drivers!
Throw your own!
It is fun and easy to celebrate the season with Tannenschlag. Be the first of your friends to host a party, then coast into the New Year!
Create a theme
The host chooses a non-traditional theme and cuisine that varies each year. Note: peanuts are never allowed! Get inspired here.
Decorate your home
Pink and orange lights, upside-down holiday trees, and white garland are the primary decor. The more sparkles, the better.
The only requirements are the haiku/song open mic, the white elephant gift exchange, and thanking your delivery drivers. The rest is up to you. Past ideas included Die Mülliste longest shopping receipt competition and Kartonspeil games of competitive package stacking and gift wrapping. The important thing is to inform your guests in advance for maximum participation!
Start your own traditions
Plan your evening
Post a timeline for your guests and helpers so they know what to expect from your Tannenschlag. A sample that works well is below.
Share your pics far and wide
Share your best photos, haikus, and songs on Insta @tannenschlag
Tannenschlag is always a week after Black Friday, when your postal carrier and delivery drivers are at their busiest. Thank them with cards, gifts, grab-and-go treats on your porch, or an in-person tip!
Thank your delivery drivers!
7:00 Guest arrival and cocktail hour
8:00 Serve food
8:30 Host remarks and gratitude for friends and delivery drivers.
9:00 Open mic haikus & songs
9:30 Krappengeben/white elephant gift exchange
9:45 Other games of your choice (Kartonspeil, Die Mülliste)
10:00 Dancing
