By now, we’ve got the hang of it.

A German-American married couple navigating—and balancing—holidays between both families.

This Christmas, we laughed, we danced, we celebrated, and we praised Jesus—in matching jammies, of course.

But that’s not what you’re here for, is it? What you really want to know is: THE TEA

How do my husband and I manage to celebrate holidays with each other’s families?
Why do we fly across the world when we could stay in Germany?
And juiciest of all: does race play a role when spending time with each other’s families?

First of all, let’s enjoy the gorgeous snowfall we got to experience in Minnesota this year.

My husband did one too many doughnuts with my little brother in the car—but it’s okay, he laughed until his face hurt.

Minnesota natives are familiar with black ice—we’re taught to look out for it while driving or even walking from a young age. My handsome German husband didn’t have this luxury. So imagine us, driving down University Avenue in Northeast Minneapolis on our way to the U of M to work out.

Long story short, there was a “Schatzi, I told you to drive slowly around the corners—there’s black ice everywhere,” some screaming, and a lot of laughs. But don’t fret—we’re safe, and thankfully, there was no accident.

Us below after making it to the gym alive.

You know we don’t mess with that car insurance, ya feel me?

Let’s answer the questions from earlier

The only major holiday we celebrate with family is Christmas, and since that means just one holiday per year, we switch families—or countries—each year. Last year we were in Minnesota; this year we’ll be in Germany.
In our marriage, balance is of utmost importance. We strive to celebrate and share equal parts American and German culture. To make that happen, we aim to spend as much time in the U.S. as we can (otherwise I’ll go crazy in Germany) and as much time as possible with my family. It may not be as equal as we’d like, but hey—there’s an ocean between the two continents.
In my family dynamic in Minnesota, race does not play a role while celebrating the holidays—aka Christmas, or at all. I mean, why should it? While spending time in Germany, race plays a role in the sense of “I’m the only one.” IYKYK. This, of course, comes with its struggles, but “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

A long distance friendship that means more to me than Oreos. Who would’ve thought we would fly across the world for each others weddings? GOD DID

We stay in touch year round and try to meet up every time I’m in Minnesota.

So many memories, so many laughs, so many hangovers, and most importantly so much mututal respect and love. Here’s to Francis and David!

This time in Minnesota, we went up to Duluth for a weekend with our husbands.

I come from a basketball family, but I’ve always been an NFL stan. GO VIKINGS!

This Christmas, we had the pleasure of watching the Timberwolves take down the Heat. If you know anything about the Minnesota Timberwolves, you know how hard it is to be a loyal fan—but we don’t switch up over here.

Nosebleed seats, of course, before scurrying down to some very nice seats. An easy dub for the Wolves—we love to see it. Thank you, Ant, you make Minnesota proud. Go Wolves!