How The Christmas Haus Keeps German Holiday Traditions Alive

Christmas is a magical time of year for families around the world that celebrate this holiday season. In the United States, children and adults of all ages practice many Christmas traditions. Some enjoy decorating their Christmas tree, looking at festive light displays, going sledding, and more. While the activities vary based on your location and background, many American families actually celebrate the German traditions. As a result, Americans and Germans have many similarities when it comes to how they welcome the Christmas holiday. 

Iconic parts of the Christmas season were imported to America by German immigrants and business moguls like F.W. Woolworth. Some of these include tinsel, ornaments, gingerbread houses, nutcrackers, smokers, advent calendars, and Santa Claus himself. 

While German and American cultures aren’t too closely related outside of their love for the snowy season of Saint Nick, both value high-quality Christmas goods. The Christmas Haus, a retailer known for its unique German items, aims to keep this trend alive. Founded over 20 years ago by entrepreneur Roger Lund, The Christmas Haus has become a go-to supplier for handmade holiday decor that is passed from generation to generation.

Before opening The Christmas Haus in New Oxford, Pennsylvania, Lund owned a general store that sold various goods. At the time, his Christmas products came from family businesses in Germany. Customers and Roger himself were always impressed with the quality and beauty of these items. 

Several years later when Roger’s supplier informed him that the items would be sourced for cheaper, he was quick to question how this would be possible. The answer, removing the thing that made them unique: the history and tradition behind them. From his perspective, Christmas goods made in a different culture, with less love, and cheaper materials were not heirlooms. 

Instead of agreeing to these changes, Roger contacted the German manufacturers that provided his supplier with stock. Not only was Roger able to keep the business relationship, but the German businesses invited him to visit the country and see how they created the goods. This experience motivated Roger to create a larger project, now known as The Christmas Haus, focused on sourcing German Christmas items.

At the start, The Christmas Haus sought to differentiate its offerings from other local holiday decor shops. Thankfully, the process became easier as the business gained media attention from national TV shows, publications, and retailers. This shift allowed Lund to open a second store in Gettysburg, and expand the footprint of his business. As well as the two brick and mortar locations, the store also has an extensive online presence serving customers globally. 

Interestingly enough, The Christmas Haus will soon be featured in a Christmas film, A Gettysburg Christmas, due to its nostalgic and uplifting atmosphere. The store was originally never in the holiday film until the producer became enamored with The Christmas Haus’ interior. 

After visiting it, the movie producer later wrote pivotal scenes into the movie that were filmed inside the store. This excited Roger, but it wasn’t a one-time experience. He reports that many customers develop personal connections with the store due to the sentimental value of its products. Some of them cry because they are reminded of lost loved ones or the traditions that made their holidays memorable. These reactions are precious to Roger and his staff because they strive to make Christmas an unforgettable event for families and friends. 

Roger has always been passionate about the holiday season, as most people are. Many people look back on these moments as times of relaxation, tradition, and connection, which is why Roger enjoys living the Christmas dream each day.

“The creation of The Christmas Haus was something that happened by chance, but I’ve continued this work for two decades because I love it,” says Lund, “The holiday season is humanity’s time to pause and reflect on the small things we take for granted. When we’re with our loved ones in a safe environment with good food and cozy weather, it’s easy to feel better about our lives. I think everyone craves more of the energy that Christmas gives us, which is why I’m so happy to share that joyful spirit at The Christmas Haus stores. My decision to only sell products imported from Germany was fueled by my desire to provide high-quality products that lasted lifetimes and reminded people of the heirlooms their families cherished. By abiding by these principles, our stores have become well-known for products that create beautiful environments every Christmas.”

The Christmas Haus employees don’t focus on selling items. Their role is to be a storyteller. By informing customers about where and when an item originated, the talent of the company’s artisan manufacturers becomes more apparent. 

To continue satisfying customers, Roger plans to diversify their existing collections of nutcrackers, glass-blown ornaments, paper mache, and more. As The Christmas Haus grows, Roger is committed to promoting growth that aligns with the business’ values and keeping German traditions alive.