Franz Geyling on the left in 1937with his sister Mausi (courtesy of Dr F.T Geyling 2012 page 289-90)

"Perhaps the most significant festivity in the German-speaking community in Tientsin was the celebration of Christmas at the school, the social club and, last but not least, at home. Preparations would get underway with the beginning of November and always included some stage productions by the school children of the German club.

"The subject of the plays always revolved around the Christmas theme. The stage setting involved angels, dwarves and biblical figures galore. The overall direction [sic] was usually the music teacher, and practices were mandatory. Costume design and fabrication was left to the imagination of the various ladies (my mother was always enthusiastically involved) while the fathers constructed the sets. The calibre of the landscape painting was outstanding.

Occasionally the ambitions of the set designers overreached themselves, as for example one year's production included a live donkey which could not control nature's call.

"Occasionally the ambitions of the set designers overreached themselves, as for example one year's production included a live donkey which could not control nature's call. Over the years I acted as elf, shepherd, wise man and some other mythical figures. The whole German community watched the performances, even the bachelors, who frequented the bar at the club. The traditional Christmas carols were sung by all present, and a cookie and cake party followed."