Christmas was always a gala event in the Schacht home. The tree was
decorated by adults in secrecy. Emil would keep the sliding doors to the
dining room closed until all the candles on the tree near the window
were lit on Christmas Eve. Then the doors were opened, while
Grossmutter played “O Tannenbaum” on the piano, and the festivities
began.
The story handed down through the family relates to one Christmas
dinner. Grossmutter had advised Grossvater not to put more wood on the
fire (in the front room fireplace), but being strong willed and stubborn he
had continued, probably adding even more than he had planned.
Soon there was a smell of smoke in the air, which someone mentioned.
Emil’s reply was , “No, there is no smoke. Eat your dinner” “But Papa,
I think the roof is on fire.” “Ach, the house is not on fire. Eat your
dinner.” So the family stayed rooted to their seats eating supper while the
firemen trooped over the house and put the fire out.”
