1. Christmas in Germany Merry Christmas from Germany

2. http://www.californiamall.com/holidaytraditions/traditions-germany.htmwww.californiamall.com/holidaytraditions/traditions-germany.htm

3. Markets Decorations: Germany was the first country to use glass ornaments as decorations. These ornaments are usually made by local families and sold in winter markets. These markets are held at the beginning of the advent season. These markets feature hundreds of booths that sell Christmas decorations, candy and gingerbread.

4. The Christbaum The tradition of the Christmas tree began in Germany. During the Middle Ages, Miracle plays were put on to teach the peasants the stories of the bible. A decorated evergreen tree representing the tree of life (Paradise Baum) was present on the stage. The Christmas tree represents that tree of life. Tradition states that when St. Boniface was preaching among the German tribes, he cut down an Oak tree that was sacred to the Germans. As the tree fell it crushed all the other trees around it except a fir tree. This fir, Boniface declared, was the tree of Christ and that is why it is associated with Christmas. The first Christmas trees were undecorated. According to tradition, on a cold, clear winter's night, Martin Luther was walking in the woods when he noticed the twinkling stars among the evergreens. He was so taken by the beauty of what he had seen that, when he returned home, he tied candles on the Christmas tree to show his family. Thus, the tradition of the Christbaum or Christ's tree was born.

5. In some regions of Germany an unusual tradition is observed called the Christmas pickle. The last ornament that is put on the tree is a glass pickle. This ornament is hidden in the tree. On Christmas morning, the first child who finds the pickle ornament receives an extra present. This German tradition encouraged the children to appreciate all the ornaments on the Christmas tree, rather than hurrying to see what St. Nick had left for them.

6. Nutcracker Soldiers and Drummers These famous figurines can be found throughout any fest you visit as well. They range from miniature sizes to extremely large and there are several different styles to choose from.

7. Advent Calendar Germany, the Christmas season begins with Advent. A wreath of evergreens with four red candles is hung in the home. One candle is lit on each Sunday before Christmas.

8. The Legend Strictly speaking, the tradition of St. Nicholas is not synonomous with the role of Santa Claus in the U.S.. As practiced in many European countries, the celebration of St. Nicholas is separate from the Christmas holidays, and occurs during the 2 weeks prior to December 6th, which is St. Nicholas's day. Sometimes St. Nicholas Day is the main holiday for gift giving, and not Christmas. St. Nicholas

9. Gingerbread figures are another great tradition from Deutschland! We find examples of the famed Gingerbread House in a well- known German folk story- Hansel and Gretel. As a charming Christmas treat, the famed construction cookie has survived many years in the form of Gingerbread people and their tasty homes! Gingerbread House Hansel and Gretel

10. Decorating the tree is an important part of the Christmas celebration. Besides using ornaments, lights, and tinsel, the German people also hang cookies (shaped like people, animals, hearts, or stars ) on the branches.

11. The Tannenbaum is a very good way to uphold German tradition! Brought to life in the Folk Tale "The Christmas Fairy of Strasburg", a Christmas Tree.

12. In the joyous merriment, who could forget the enchanting carols? Germans celebrate the simple genius of their evergreen decoration in "O Tannenbaum", which many of us know as "O Christmas Tree". The spirit of Christmas is also carried through the ages one of the most translated Christmas songs in the world! Austrians Franz Gruber and Joseph Mohr created a masterpiece in their native German language, and "Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht" (otherwise known as "Silent Night"!) became another steadfast Christmas tradition. "O Tannenbaum""Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht" O Christmas Tree http://washingtonmo.com/christmas/lyric/1057.htm Silent Night http://washingtonmo.com/christmas/lyric/1042.htm Christmas Carols