CHRISTMAS IN GERMANY

INTRODUCTION Unlike other European countries, Germany Christmas is enjoyed from a less traditional perspective. And, although the presence of Santa Claus does not occupy a leading and decisive role, there are other activities that are cause for joy and celebration. How are the holidays in Germany ?

Na,na,na:na,na,na

Before the birth of the child Jesus, the time before December 24, Advent focuses a great interest in the Germans, who are prepared with great devotion for God's son amid a climate of peace. At this time of mance an Advent wreath, the same which is decorated with pine branches and four candles, representing the pre- Christmas is four Sundays.

Apart from Advent in Germany Christmas celebrations officially started on December 6, marks the day when St. Nicholas, where beneficiaries are children, who receive a number of gifts.

Another traditional detail of Christmas in Germany is that over the Christmas period, street markets are crowded by thousands of people, who can enjoy the widest variety of souvenirs and significant items. Of course, they can not miss the wines and traditional foods like sausages.

The decor at this time is marked trees, angels and Christmas lights The decor at this time is marked trees, angels and Christmas lights. The cuisine will find dishes prepared with lamb, duck, sausage, potatoes and duck and the environment in homes, streets and malls usually entertained by carols.

Finally, every December 24th, families and friends gather to share Christmas dinner and thank God for everything received throughout the year. Once it reaches midnight, most people with a hug goodbye and go to sleep, but the next day continue the celebrations.

Hohohouuu!!!! HAPPY CHRISTMAS

Sweetmeats It is very typical to enjoy in these times of Lebkuchen traditional sweets At this time abundant marzipan is used. Usually drink a typical punch called Glühwein, as well as the famous Feuerzangenbowle. Among the most popular sweets throughout Germany, we have the Hexenhäuserl, Springerle, the Plätzchen, etc.

Lebkuchen traditional

Hamburger Dom Festival This is the funfair outdoors most famous Hamburg, held since the fourteenth century and currently held three times a year, in spring, summer and winter. Come and enjoy the wells, fireworks and various concerts.

The highlight of the German holiday season is December 24th ; all shops and offices close early that day (between noon and 2 pm ) , the Christmas tree light house , presents are opened , and many people go to the Christmas mass . On 25 and 26 December are public holidays; families concentrate on the important things in life , visiting friends , relax, watch a Christmas movie , and eat healthy.

"The Christmas tree originated in western Germany "The Christmas tree originated in western Germany. The main prop of a popular medieval play about Adam and Eve was a “paradise tree,” a fir tree hung with apples, that represented the Garden of Eden. The Germans set up a paradise tree in their homes on December 24, the religious feast day of Adam and Eve. They hung wafers on it (symbolizing the host, the Christian sign of redemption)

in a later tradition the wafers were replaced by cookies of various shapes. Candles, symbolic of Christ, were often added. In the same room was the “Christmas pyramid,” a triangular construction of wood that had shelves to hold Christmas figurines and was decorated with evergreens, candles, and a star. By the 16th century the Christmas pyramid and the paradise tree had merged, becoming the Christmas tree."

When Christmas gifts arrive in Germany and who brings ? In Germany does not bring gifts and Santa Claus on December 25 , or the Three Kings on January 6.

Here , children receive gifts on Christmas Eve, am Heiligen Abend , and brings the Christkind , which is Jesus incarnate in a child and that, being represented , usually resembles a woman with a long mane of blond curls and dressed with a golden robelooks you what else!

From early in the morning of 24 December , children have " restricted " access to your living room (or wherever gifts are to appear) . In the afternoon , some families go to mass and evening , dinner is something simple ( the great food will be tomorrow )

After dinner, a bell sounds coming from the living room After dinner, a bell sounds coming from the living room . That will be the sign that the Christkind has already been there and that children can already get ( currently called Bescherung ) . The living room is decorated Christmas and lit only by candles tree beneath which have been placed all gifts. Before opening carols will be sung , who can play the piano, guitar or violin touch something, the rest of the evening is completed eating Christmas candy and enjoying family and gifts .

¨^.^¨ Raúl Rico, Javier García, David Moreno, Juanan Pérez, Gonzalo Morcillo and Antonio Fernández.