A slice of Hannover in Seven Springs

29 million is a whole lot of wood and that’s not just by measuring it in metres. Instead that is the number of Christmas trees that were purchased in Germany this year. While the proverbial Tannenbaum will be covered in Christmas lights, baubles, tinsel and candy canes, there is a one of a kind tree in the land of opportunity, the United States of America, which might catch your interest.

In a small town in North Carolina, more specifically in Seven Springs, there is a tree that, for one specific man from Hannover, has a very important meaning.  Since Spetmeber Alexander Muth has been taking part in an exchange program in the USA, staying with the Chambers family in Seven Springs he is readying himself to spend the festive season in the States – a long way away from his family in Germany. With Alexander staying in his house, Alan Chambers, the dad, had an idea and proceed to put a Christmas tree in every room of the house. For Alexander, who is set to spend a whole year there, it became something quite special.

Oh Tannenbaum!

It turns out there was a common love between the two men which turned out to be a wonderful coincidence; both are big fans of the Reds. They kitted one of the trees out with 96 caps, scarves and other paraphernalia to add something extra to their evergreens. It turns out Alan has often visited Hannover and, in the past, has even managed to make it to the odd game or two in the AWD-Arena in order to catch his favourite team in action. He’s even had the pleasure of meeting his compatriot and Hannnover captain Steven Cherundolo.  Alexander’s Christmas tree back home would normally be covered in 96 caps, scarves and other paraphernalia.

The football crazy American has a vested interest in Mirko Slomka’s team and with Alexander around he had even more of a reason to try and catch all the Reds matches from the first half of the season, even if it was on a patchy internet connection; Seven Springs isn’t known for its’ fast speed broadband.

When Alexander Muth returns to “good old Germany” Christmas will be long gone. However, it is likely that his 96 Christmas tree will live long in his memory.