By Lucas Irmisch, ESAN University (University of Heilbronn in Germany)
Today I will tell you about my favorite holiday of the year and one of the greatest seasons of the whole year in Germany: Weihnachten, which is Christmas.
Germany features a century old tradition and has some specific customs for Christmas and the whole month of December as preparation:
Advent Calendar (Adventskalender)
The Advent Calendar counts down the four weeks leading up to Christmas Eve and is one of my childhood’s greatest memories. Every day during the Advent season a new door on the Advent calendar is opened. Each opened door proceeds to reveal a chocolate or other treat. You always see where you are and the excitement is growing each day!
Advent wreath (Adventskranz)
Many families in Germany put an Advent wreath on the living room table the fourth Sunday before Christmas. Our wreaths have four large candles and, traditionally, pinecones and berries. The candles provide a very cozy atmosphere in dimmed light and are enjoyed by my whole family.
St. Nicholas Day (Sankt Nikolaus Tag) on the night from the 5th tot he 6th of December you put your cleaned shoes outside the door of your house and if you behaved well in the year St. Nicholas will leave a little gift in the boots, such as chocolate, nuts or fruits, or a bag of gummy bears
Christmas Markets (Weihnachtsmärkte)
During Advent season the historic city centers of every German city light up with Christmas markets, known as Weihnachtsmärkte. Thousands of lights and decorations captivate you, and invite you to stroll around the vendors of local arts and crafts. We also have plenty of food! The Christmas market tradition dates back to the 15th century in Germany. Famous there:
Mulled Wine (Glühwein), hot mulled red wine, with an optional shot of brandy (Glühwein mit Schuss).
Traditional Christmas Foods
One of the most anticipated German Christmas traditions is the Christmas dinner! The traditional Christmas meal features duck, goose, rabbit or a roast. This main dish is ac companied by German delicacies such as apple and sausage stuffing, red cabbage and potato dumplings. Dessert typically includes Christmas Stollen, considered one of the best Christmas pastries in the world!
So these are the main customs and traditions we have and that I found only in Germany in this form. For me the month of December is a very special month full of togetherness and family time. The days are getting short and you make it cozy with candles, Glühwein and all the good pastries. On the evening of the 24th you have the delicious meal and then enjoy your presents under the Christmas tree and the time with your beloved ones.
Photo from:
https://www.trierer-weihnachtsmarkt.de/media/press/weihnachtsmarkt_023.jpg
