Welcome to Christmas in Germany! By: Kasey Weixelman, Abby Wagle, Courtney Dwyer, Amber Schutz, Taylor Golay, and Ali Oatsdean Taylor Golay, and Ali Oatsdean

Frohe Weihnachten! or Merry Christmas! There are many Christians living in Germany; therefore, they have many traditions similar to ours, including Christmas trees, Advent wreaths, and special foods. They also have many traditions very different from ours. There are many Christians living in Germany; therefore, they have many traditions similar to ours, including Christmas trees, Advent wreaths, and special foods. They also have many traditions very different from ours.

The Christmas Tree Fir trees began in Germany, almost 1,000 years ago when St Boniface, who converted many of the German people to Christianity, was said to have come across a group of pagans worshipping an oak tree. Out of anger, St Boniface cut down the oak tree and to his amazement a young fir tree grew up from the roots of the old oak tree. St Boniface took this as a sign of the Christian faith. Although, it was not until the 16th century that fir trees were brought indoors at Christmas time.

Religious Aspects The first part of December remains reserved for all religious reflections, and it lasts until the day of Christmas. You focus on reconnecting yourself with your religion, through prayer and meditation. The four weeks leading up to Christmas is called the Advent Season Families there, like us, have advent wreathes, but the difference in them is that they have four purple candles for each of the weeks, and one white for Christmas day.

Children on Christmas Children honor St. Nikolaus and the Christ Child around the Christmas time. Children honor St. Nikolaus and the Christ Child around the Christmas time. On December 6 th children put out their shoes, and depending on their behavior throughout the year, they will get candy or twigs. On December 6 th children put out their shoes, and depending on their behavior throughout the year, they will get candy or twigs. Children in the family aren’t allowed to see the family Christmas Tree until the Christmas bells ring on Christmas Eve Children in the family aren’t allowed to see the family Christmas Tree until the Christmas bells ring on Christmas Eve Families now keep their Christmas Tree in a locked room, so the children aren’t tempted. Families now keep their Christmas Tree in a locked room, so the children aren’t tempted. Between December 6 th and Christmas children visit many fairs, where booths are piled high with toys, and all different types of goodies. Between December 6 th and Christmas children visit many fairs, where booths are piled high with toys, and all different types of goodies.

Specials Foods on Christmas Pfeffernüsse Pfeffernüsse Glühwein Glühwein Lebkuchen Lebkuchen Christstollen Christstollen Hexenhäuserl Hexenhäuserl Springerle Springerle Plätzchen Plätzchen