Oktoberfest: Bringing Joy to Your Holiday Family

As the autumn air begins to cool and leaves change to vibrant shades of red and gold, one holiday celebration stands out, bringing warmth and joy to families around the world: Oktoberfest! This iconic German festival is steeped in history, hearty food, lively music, and of course, a great deal of laughter. While traditionally celebrated in Munich, Oktoberfest has evolved into a worldwide phenomenon, and there's no reason why your own Joy Holiday Family can't join in the fun—right from your home.

Here’s how you can bring a taste of Oktoberfest into your family's holiday season with traditions, recipes, and activities that everyone can enjoy.

The History Behind Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest dates back to October 12, 1810, when Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig married Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. To celebrate the royal event, a massive public festival was held on the fields in front of Munich’s city gates, which has continued annually, evolving into the Oktoberfest we know today. While beer is often a central focus, the festival's spirit is about community, celebration, and enjoying the bounties of fall.

At its core, Oktoberfest is about gathering with loved ones to share delicious meals, traditional music, and festive décor. By incorporating these elements into your own home, you can create a new holiday tradition that ties into your family’s unique way of celebrating.

A Joyful Oktoberfest Menu

Food is central to any celebration, and Oktoberfest is no exception. Here's how you can introduce some easy, family-friendly recipes into your celebration:

Pretzels (Brezn): Soft, golden, and twisted, pretzels are a must for any Oktoberfest gathering. These can be homemade or store-bought, served with mustard or melted cheese. (Recipe Below)
Bratwurst: Grilled sausages are a staple of Oktoberfest. You can experiment with different types of sausages, and serve them on warm buns with sauerkraut, mustard, and relish for the perfect bite.
Apple Strudel: This warm, spiced dessert is a wonderful way to celebrate fall. Filled with tender apples and raisins, it’s sure to be a hit with the family. You could even make it a baking activity to get everyone involved!
Non-Alcoholic Beer or Cider: For a family-friendly version, serve up some cold apple cider or a non-alcoholic craft beer that captures the traditional Oktoberfest feeling without the alcohol.

Fun Family Oktoberfest Activities

Here are some ideas to add extra fun to your family Oktoberfest:

Oktoberfest-Themed Crafts: Help the kids make paper pretzels, Bavarian flags, or traditional flower crowns (blumenkranz) to wear. These little touches help bring the festival atmosphere into your home.
Music & Dance: Oktoberfest is known for its lively polka music. Make a playlist of traditional German tunes or even folk music from around the world. Have a family dance-off or teach the kids some simple Bavarian dance steps!
Family-Friendly Competitions: Create a mini carnival atmosphere by setting up games like "Pretzel Toss," where kids try to toss soft pretzels onto sticks. You could also hold a “Stein Holding Contest” using plastic cups to see who in the family can hold their cup out the longest—just like the traditional German event.
Costume Fun: Encourage everyone to wear Oktoberfest-themed outfits like lederhosen or dirndls—or get creative and make your own! It’s a fun way to get into the spirit of the event and adds a festive touch to family photos.

Oktoberfest at Home: Creating New Holiday Memories

Oktoberfest is the perfect opportunity to bond with your family in the spirit of joy, gratitude, and celebration. While you may not be able to travel to Munich for the grand festival, you can certainly capture the essence of this wonderful tradition at home. Whether it's through food, music, or simple family activities, the magic of Oktoberfest can add another layer of warmth to your holiday season.

So, this autumn, why not try something new? Let your Joy Holiday Family create an Oktoberfest celebration filled with love, laughter, and lasting memories!

Prost! (That’s cheers in German!)

Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the warm, chewy goodness of homemade soft pretzels! This easy recipe will let you and your family create your own authentic Oktoberfest treat. Whether you’re looking to enjoy them plain, with mustard, or dipped in a cheesy sauce, these pretzels are sure to become a favorite family snack.

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups warm water (110°F-115°F)
1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
1 tbsp granulated sugar
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
10 cups water (for boiling)
⅔ cup baking soda
1 large egg yolk, beaten with 1 tbsp water (egg wash)
Coarse salt for topping

Instructions:

Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and melted butter. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir until the dough begins to form. If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, knead on low speed for about 5 minutes. Otherwise, knead the dough by hand on a lightly floured surface for about 8 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Let the Dough Rise:
- Lightly grease a bowl and place the dough inside. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly grease them.
Shape the Pretzels:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 18-20 inches long. Form the rope into a U shape, then cross the ends over each other, bringing them back down to the base of the U to form the classic pretzel shape. Press the ends lightly to secure them.
Boil the Pretzels:
- In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Carefully add the baking soda to the boiling water (it will foam up a bit). Using a slotted spatula, gently lower each pretzel into the boiling water one at a time, letting it cook for about 30 seconds. Remove the pretzels and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
Egg Wash & Salt:
- Brush each pretzel with the beaten egg yolk mixture. Sprinkle generously with coarse salt.
Bake:
- Bake the pretzels for 12-15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven.
Cool & Serve:
- Allow the pretzels to cool slightly before serving. Serve them warm with mustard, cheese dip, or just enjoy them as is!

Tips for Success:

For a twist, you can sprinkle pretzels with cinnamon sugar after brushing them with melted butter once they’re out of the oven.
Want mini pretzels? Divide the dough into smaller pieces to make bite-sized snacks.
You can freeze any leftover pretzels. Just reheat in the oven to crisp them up again!

This homemade soft pretzel recipe is perfect for an Oktoberfest celebration, family movie night, or any time you’re craving a savory treat! Enjoy baking together, and don’t forget to share your creation with your Joy Holiday Family community!