Celebrating Christmas in Germany

Celebrating Christmas in Germany is such a feast for your senses. Every part of your being is affected - from the sights to behold, the scents to savour, and the tastes to enjoy. Your spirit is renewed in the reason for the season, and your body is enveloped by the pleasures that only Christmas can fulfill.

Walking through a German village decorated for Weihnachten (Christmas) is a sight to behold indeed. Not only do the houses look like traditional gingerbread houses, but the fragrances that waft from them remind one of Christmases past. The Christmas Markets are well-stocked with all kinds of treats from Christmas Stollen (fruitcake) and Lebkuchen (gingerbread) to wood carvings and decorations for the Weihnachtsbaum (Christmas tree).

The first indication that Christmas is around the corner is the Advent wreath. This is made of evergreen twigs and is decorated with pine cones, little red mushrooms, and ribbons. There are four candles: the first on is lit on the last Sunday in November, and then another candle on each successive Sunday before Christmas. The purpose for Advent? To prepare for Christmas. Originally this was the Christians’ time to prepare for the coming remembrance of Jesus’ birth and was celebrated in church.

The next sign of Christmas is the Advent calendar, a real treat for the kids. With twenty-four numbers on little doors that get opened according to the date, it’s an easy way for children to count down the days until Christmas Eve - the most important day for German children. Behind the little doors are usually pictures of toys. The newer Advent calendars are much more enjoyable - they often have chocolates behind each door - real ones!

The next German Christmas tradition happens on December 6th. The night before, children put their shoes (the largest they can find) at their bedside. The next morning, thanks to Saint Nicholas (St. Nick), the shoes are filled with all kinds of delicious treats, usually edible, but sometimes little toys as well. (Is this where the idea of the American Christmas stocking comes from?)

The last preparation for Christmas is the Weihnachtsbaum (Christmas tree). This was up the morning of the 24th and was decorated with nuts, cookies, apples, tinsel, and real candles (which have been replaced with lights for safety). The room with the tree was kept out of sight from the children. After the evening Church service, the candles (lights) are lit, a bell is rung, and the children are allowed to enter into the room to behold the tree . . . and the presents hidden underneath!

The room would be filled with all kinds of fragrances. Plates of Christmas cookies, marzipan, chocolates, and Christmas stollen are accompanied with bowls of fruits. The scent of pine and candles would fill the room. The laughter of children opening presents and the singing of Christmas carols would fill the air. After this, there would be a feast of all types of German Christmas foods.

Celebrating Christmas in Germany truly is a feast for the senses. It is one that can be duplicated wherever you are in the world. Try any one or all of the above traditions and enjoy this wonderful time of the year. Frohe Weihnachten!