Celebrating our German Heritage

As we celebrate Christmas 2025, I’m reminded of my father’s memory of his mother Elizabeth Lillian (Lizzie) Gotto Reed singing Silent Night * in German at this time of year to her children. I believe that she may have learned the words and tune from her mother, Margaretha (Maggie) Fromm who had immigrated from Germany to America in 1864, one year after the arrival of her husband Mathias Gotto in 1863. Of course, I’ll never know for sure. More research in 2026!

* Warner Classics Youtube recording of Diana Damrau singing Silent Night in German.