Weihnachten in Deutschland (Christmas in Germany) By: Linda Hamouie

Christmas Traditions *A big part of the Christmas celebrations in Germany is Advent. Several different types of Advent calendars are used in German homes. As well as the traditional one made of card that is used in many countries, there are ones made out of a wreath of Fir tree branches with 24 decorated boxes or bags hanging from it. Each box or bag has a little present in it. One candle is lit at the beginning at each week of Advent.

Christmas Traditions Christmas Trees are very important in Germany as well. They were first used in Germany in the Middle Ages. If there are young children in the house are usually secretly decorated by the Mother of the family. The Christmas tree was traditionally brought into the house on Christmas eve, and that evening the family would read the bible and sing Christmas songs such as O Tannenbaum, Ihr Kinderlein Kommet and Stille Nacht (Slient Night).

Christmas Traditions At small work and school parties, secret presents are often exchanged. A door is opened just wide enough for small presents to be thrown into the room. The presents are then passed around among the people until each person has the right present! It is thought to be bad luck to ever finds out who sent each present.

Traditional Christmas Foods Carp or Goose are often served for the main Christmas meal. Stollen is a popular fruited yeast bread that is eaten at Christmas.

Christmas Traditions St. Nicholas As in many other European countries, on the eve of Dec. 6th children place a shoe or boot by the fireplace. During the night, St. Nicholas, the patron saint of children, hops from house to house carrying a book of sins in which all of the misdeeds of the children are written. If they have been good, he fills the shoe or boot with delicious holiday edibles. If they have not been good, their shoe is filled with twigs. St. Nicholas

Bibliography Christmas in Germany http://www.californiamall.com/holidaytraditions/traditions-germany.htm http://www.german-way.com/christmas.html http://www.germanculture.com.ua/library/links/christmas.htm http://german.about.com/library/blchristm01.htm Christmas in Germany