Christmas can already be felt all over the world. It’s a time we all look forward to and look forward to all year long. This holiday is highly anticipated in Germany and is just beginning winter, Christmas blooms non-stop. Put on all your Christmas spirit that in this new article from supercurious Let’s find out how Christmas is celebrated in Germany and what are 10 German Christmas traditions that cannot be missing in this beautiful country.
Living Christmas in Germany is like being in a fairy tale. The country is painted with the white of the snow and dazzles with its beautiful decorations and lights. Despite the winter cold, the Germans go out to enjoy this beautiful Christmas landscape that awakens anyone in the mood to celebrate Christmas. Undoubtedly, among the curiosities of Christmas, the dreamy German Christmas traditions stand out. Let’s find out how Christmas is celebrated in Germany!
As you know, the classic Christmas tree is erected in almost every home in the world during this time. But did you know that the origin of the Christian Christmas tree was born in Germany? For this, For Germans it is very important to go as a family to choose the little tree.
Likewise, among the German Christmas traditions is have a natural treeWell, they say that the most beautiful thing is the smell of fir that permeates homes with the Christmas spirit. Plus, it’s a way to have a ecological christmasbecause we avoid using harmful materials.
To find the perfect tree there are two options. The most common way is to go to any home goods store. The second is go to a forest (specially dedicated for this) where they sell you the tree and you can cut it down yourself.
Another curious way in which Christmas is celebrated in Germany is that some families tend to leave the trees outside the house and bring it in on Christmas day. This is done because it is tradition decorate the tree on Christmas Eve, without the children seeing it, so that it is a surprise when opening the gifts.
As to tree decorations are usually very simple. They consist of colored paper, lights and a few decorations. The most traditional is decorate it so that the green of the tree can be appreciatedwhich contrasts with the leafless trees left by the strong winter.
The biggest way in which Christmas is celebrated in Germany is with the Advent. This is known as the preparation time before christmas. To fulfill this celebration are advent wreaths These resemble the typical Christmas wreath, only that in these 4 candles are placed. Each of them lights up during the 4 Sundays before Christmas Day. In German families it is a tradition to light the candles together and assemble the wreath with pine branches and ribbons.
3. Advent calendars
In addition to the crown, in Germany You can not miss the advent calendars. These run from December 1 to December 24, Christmas Day. German tradition says that every day a little door of the calendar opens to discover a little surprise that is hidden inside.
Although various brands have adapted their products to sell these calendars, in Germany one way Christmas is celebrated is doing them manually. This calendar is a very common gift among Germans and is very special for children since it helps them to control the emotion of Christmas and, in addition, it allows them to mediate the gifts.
In Germany they are not left behind with decoration. There are several types that are very curious German Christmas traditions. Do you know them?
The nutcracker is a must at Christmas. They say that in ancient times there was already and has been around ever since. before they were metalsince they were used as nutcrackers, but they are currently made of wood. The most famous are those with form of king or soldierbut there are several professions.
The Räuchermann or smoker It is a wooden figurine that has the shape of a little man dressed in typical professions of the region, such as soldiers, miners, boilermakers or forest rangers. In its inside there is a small incense that is turned on to set the home and gives the illusion that the figurine is smoking.
The Christmas Pyramid it is also traditional in Germany since the Middle Ages. They are usually made of wood and have different floors where you can see different Christmas scenes and figurines. Also, they can be seen wooden chandeliers that are placed in the windows. Before they were seen as light guides for miners.
Incredibly beautiful! This is the best way to describe these markets that are located throughout the cities and the prettiest german towns
Between November and December these small shops appear that with their lights and music resemble a true Christmas village. There you can see different crafts, clothes, food and everything you want.
If you go to one of these markets, you have to try the Glühwein, this is a mulled wine that is mixed with spices and is ideal for fight the cold. There is also a version of this drink, but without alcohol, so that children do not miss out on this beautiful experience.
6. German Tradition of the Child God (Christkind)
Being a country where Christianity predominatesone way in which Christmas is celebrated in Germany is remembering the birth of the Child God. Besides, this is who deliver the gifts.
In some cities in southern Germany, we find a tradition in which an actor dresses up as an angel announcing that the Christmas or Advent season has begun. Normally, this show happens in the different markets, also giving them an opening.
Between typical German food which is served at Christmas, the confectionery stands out. It’s usual family baking and deliver desserts as a gift to acquaintances.
Among the favorite desserts of the Germans, we find:
- The Plätzchen, some flat cookies that are cut in different Christmas shapes.
- Another of the most desired sweets are the Lebkuchen, a kind of cookies that resemble a bread and what are they made of with spices like ginger.
- In addition, there is the christstollenthis is a kind of bread that has raisins inside and is smeared with white sugar, which symbolizes the baby Christ in swaddling clothes.
- Apart from confectionery, during Christmas dinner it is typical to eat goose, duck or lamb baked accompanied by potato salad. And, of course, the typical bratwurst sausage You can not miss.
Unlike many countries, in Germany they do not wait for the arrival of Santa Claus. The Germans are attentive to the arrival of Saint Nicholas, which happens on December 6. The night before, it is customary leave the shoes at the door or under the tree so that Saint Nicholas finds them and fills them with sweets and small gifts.
Legend has it that this he was an immensely rich bishop who distributed gold coins to the three daughters of a man. This man threw these gifts into a cloth bag. Unfortunately, Saint Nicholas dies on December 6. Therefore, it is remembered on this day and he is depicted in his classic bishop’s garments. If this topic interests you, we invite you to read our post on the true story of Santa Claus.
On the other hand, another way in which Christmas is celebrated in Germany is with the image of Rupert (Knecht Ruprecht). This is a Christmas devil who helps Saint Nicholas with the delivery of gifts but, in addition, he is in charge of punishing bad children. But it is not giving them coal, but whipping with a wooden stick. Yes they are rude in Germany!
Something curious about how Christmas is celebrated in Germany is that this holiday lasts 3 days in a row. December 24 is a day exclusive for the family, so it is not common to see people on the street celebrating. Most stay in their homes very quietly to enjoy with the family.
Because of this, among the German Christmas traditions is make a gift exchange with friends and/or co-workers a few days before. Already after the 24th, the Germans have December 25th and 26th as holidays in which they can rest and continue celebrating inside the home.
10. What happens on German Christmas Eve?
As we told you, Christmas in Germany It’s a time of peace and quiet. On Christmas Day, Germans gather to celebrate, but it is not common for their parties to go on past midnight, which is the case in other parts of the world. The way Christmas is celebrated in Germany is that They meet between 6 and 7 p.m.Christmas dinner is eaten and presents are opened early, so that the children can go to sleep.
In the most religious homes it is even among the German Christmas traditions to go to midnight mass. This is a special mass, which is usually extended between 2 and 3 hours. It is for this reason that some churches offer services earlier so that families with children can attend without having to stay up too late.
What do you think of these German Christmas traditions? Tell us if you would like to escape for Christmas to this beautiful country to experience these traditions first hand. We will be happy to read you. We take this opportunity to wish you a Christmas filled with lots of love and happiness!
If the Christmas spirit has already awakened in you, we invite you to read our post on Christmas curiosities. From now on, we wish you happy holidays and much prosperity! Christmas in the world is very diverse. For this reason, we have prepared this selection about the celebrations of different countries. We hope you enjoy it and get in the Christmas spirit.