For Family Minister Lisa Paus (Greens), according to her own statements, a classic dessert from her Westphalian homeland is a must for Christmas: “Home-made vanilla pudding, refined with a dash of rum, whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles – for the children, of course, without rum. It’s called men’s cream”.

Building Minister Klara Geywitz (SPD) also relies on a sense of home: “I have Christmas Eve – completely unsurprising for a Brandenburg resident – potato salad and sausages.” Minister of Labor Hubertus Heil (SPD) told the “Bild” newspaper: “Christmas Eve, after the service and the presents for my children, we eat deer goulash with friends in the closest family circle. On Christmas Day we meet with the larger family circle to eat goose We’ll eat the leftovers on Boxing Day.”

Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP) said: “After this special year, my wife and I will stay for two on Christmas Eve with goose and Christmas lights, then family and friends.”