Local settlers in the 1800s were predominantly of German or Prussian descent, bringing with them unique traditions from their homeland to the Barossa.

The tradition of a Christmas tree originated in Germany, where it became popular among Lutherans during the 1700s. By the 1800s, these German traditions had spread to America and Australia as settlers immigrated. While fir trees were typically used in Germany, native pine trees were commonly used in both domestic and church settings in the Barossa. 

Early Christmas trees were lit with candles, decorated with metallic tinsel, and adorned with delicate German glass ornaments, and sometimes honey biscuits.

Feather Christmas trees are regarded as one of the first types of artificial trees made in Germany in the late 1800s, gradually being replaced by plastic artificial trees from the 1950s.

In the early 1900s German Christmas tree music boxes, complete with artificial feather trees, were imported and sold locally. These wind-up music boxes featured an attachment designed to hold a Christmas tree, which would slowly rotate as melodies such as “O Tannenbaum” played. Interchangeable metal discs in some models allowed different tunes to be played.

German Lutheran tradition included attending a Christmas Eve church service. As a child, Elsie Polst, born 1898, attended Immanuel Lutheran Church at Light Pass; and after the service she could remember choosing a small toy from under the church Christmas tree. The act of giving children a gift after the church service is still practised today – often a bag of lollies or a honey biscuit.

The excitement of presents continued after the church service. When arriving home, miraculously presents had appeared under the family tree, delivered by ‘Father Christmas’. In accordance with German tradition, Christmas Eve is the customary time for opening presents, a practice that continues among many local families.

Toys have long been associated with Christmas. Germany played a significant role in the production of tinplate spring-activated toys starting in the 1850s, with major companies such as Lehmann, Gunthermann, and Bing contributing to the industry.

Toy designs have been influenced by changes in technology and the introduction of new materials. The early 1900s tinplate toys were eventually overtaken by plastics, including Bakelite, from the 1940s.

In the lead up to Christmas, stores set up elaborate window displays of toys and gifts. Sheard Services Stores in Nuriootpa promoted its ‘Toyland’ department in 1930. Toyland continued as late as 1952 by the Co-operative Store, which acquired Sheard’s establishment in 1944.

Founded in Adelaide in 1896, John Martin’s Magic Cave became a cherished Christmas event for generations of South Australian children. Many will recall fond experiences such as meeting Father Christmas, receiving a Christmas stocking, or getting a special toy.

As a child there was always a sense of suspense during Christmas, wondering if your desired toy would be waiting for you under the tree. Even though the toy sometimes didn’t arrive, the Christmas season, with all its traditions, remained full of excitement.