The festive season is a magical time on Gute Zeiten, schlechte Zeiten, but behind the glittering lights and seasonal cheer, there’s a deep, emotional story waiting to be told. In a recent web special, stars Iris Mareike Steen and Lars Pape, beloved for their roles in the hit German soap, opened up about their personal connections to Christmas, the joys and challenges of filming holiday scenes, and the special moments that make the season truly unforgettable.

From the very start, the conversation reveals the contrast between the two actors’ experiences with Christmas. Lars, who has become somewhat of a self-proclaimed “Christmas nerd,” describes how the holiday only truly regained its magic after meeting his wife and welcoming their child, Charlie, into the family. “Christmas has to be perfect,” he explains, detailing his love for preparing everything from table settings to festive meals with meticulous precision. For Lars, the joy lies in crafting every detail, ensuring that every moment feels just right. Yet, even he admits that when his enthusiasm gets the better of him, his family gently rein him in, keeping the celebrations warm and stress-free.

In contrast, Iris admits she has always approached the season with a hint of melancholy. With the loss of family members in recent years, Christmas often evokes reflection and nostalgia rather than pure excitement. Still, she cherishes the moments spent with her loved ones and has found ways to embrace the holiday despite its bittersweet associations. “These are moments where you can feel wistful but still find joy in traditions,” she shares, highlighting the delicate balance of memory and celebration that defines her festive season.

The actors also delve into the practical side of filming Christmas episodes. Shooting holiday scenes often happens weeks before the actual season, which means capturing the magic of Christmas can be a unique challenge. Yet, both actors find joy in bringing authenticity and warmth to their roles, even when the real-life ambiance doesn’t fully match the onscreen festivities. Between rehearsals, laughter, and playful moments on set, Iris and Lars reveal how they maintain the spirit of the season for the camera and each other.

Humor and behind-the-scenes anecdotes add another layer to the holiday experience. From minor mishaps during filming to actors learning carols under pressure, the special offers fans a glimpse into the fun and chaos that accompanies a soap’s holiday production. One story has the cast scrambling to retrieve a forgotten key after a festive party, highlighting the real-life adventures that occur behind the scenes.

Both stars also touch on the universal themes of family, nostalgia, and tradition. Lars emphasizes how the joys of Christmas are amplified through the presence of children, whose excitement and wonder bring the holiday to life in new and vibrant ways. Iris echoes this sentiment, acknowledging how shared family rituals and small acts of connection sustain the emotional heart of the season.

The conversation naturally shifts to New Year’s Eve, another milestone often captured in the soap. While Iris enjoys marking transitions and celebrating with loved ones, Lars offers a more candid perspective, admitting he finds the holiday slightly overrated. Together, their reflections paint a picture of two actors balancing professional obligations with personal experiences, making the holiday season both real and relatable.

As the web special draws to a close, the stars send heartfelt wishes to viewers: enjoy time with family, embrace the joys and challenges of the season, and welcome the New Year with optimism. Through laughter, memory, and heartfelt storytelling, Iris Mareike Steen and Lars Pape remind audiences why GZSZ’s holiday episodes resonate so deeply—not just as entertainment, but as a celebration of life, love, and the enduring magic of the festive season.