The Christkindlmarkt selection committee has decided on the winners for the 2023 Carmel Christkindlmarkt Christkind essay contest, sponsored by Wallington Asset Management.
The first-place winner and recipient of the $1,000 scholarship is Sofia-Alexandra Colon, Carmel High School, Class of 2019.
Colon graduated from Adrian College in 2023, and is currently attending the University of Indianapolis, Class of 2026, studying for her doctorate degree in occupational therapy. Colon’s great-grandfather was born in Heidelberg, Germany, and his family emigrated to Albany, N.Y., in the early 1900s. Colon is also a figure skater with the Ice Skating Club of Indianapolis.
The second-place winner and recipient of the $500 scholarship is Samantha Simmons, Carmel High School Class of 2026. Simmons’ family lived in Switzerland for three and a half years, where they frequented the Christmas markets.
The third-place winner and recipient of the $250 scholarship is Lija Kuhn, Zionsville Community High School Class of 2024. Kuhn’s great-grandmother fled from Latvia to Germany in 1940s as a displaced person, and her grandmother was born in Berlin.
“The Christkind is a program that helps keep our Christkindlmarkt authentic and true to its cultural roots,” Carmel Christkindlmarkt CEO Maria Murphy said. “We continue to have incredible and passionate applicants every year, and we know that this group will continue to uphold the tradition to its fullest standard.”
Visitors can meet the Christkind at the Market throughout the season, beginning on the Market’s opening day, Nov. 18.
About the essay contest
The Carmel Christkindlmarkt continued the Christkind essay contest for the sixth year in 2023. The essay contest has been sponsored all six years by Wallington Asset Management. This essay contest is a fantastic opportunity to get involved in the Carmel Christkindlmarkt, and to carry the honor of bringing a popular German tradition to Carmel.
The Christkind is a well-known symbol of Christmas in German-speaking countries. As the tradition goes, the Christkind angel delivers Christmas presents and a Christmas tree to German children on Christmas Eve, without being seen.
In Germany, the Christkind starts the Christmas season by opening the famous Nürnberger Christkindlmarkt. The Carmel Christkindlmarkt Christkind shares Christmas cheer with guests throughout the Carmel Christkindlmarkt by welcoming visitors, giving candy and gifts, and taking photos with Market-goers. The Carmel Christkindlmarkt Christkind will also participate in special events and media activities throughout the year.
The 2023 essay question: Many families include decorations as part of their holiday traditions. Describe the decorating traditions your family does around the holidays, and discuss whether those traditions have German origins.