Christmas Traditions in GermanyChristmas traditions in Germany start on the eve of Christmas. The legend states that on this day, Germany’s rivers will turn to wine, animals will talk to each other, and mountains will open up to reveal precious gems. Legend has it that only the purest of believers will witness the Christmas festivities. Any non pure will be forced to enjoy traditional German celebrations which come in abundance. Germans start celebrating Christmas on the 6th of December, which is commonly known as St. Nicholas Day. In Germany, children place a boot or shoe by their fireplace on the 6th of December. This is fairly uniform with other European countries. The legend is relatively the same as in the U.S. St. Nicholas or Santa Clause goes from house to house delivering presents. The 21st of December is known as St. Thomas Day in Germany and on this day, if you arrive late to work or you are the last to wake up in the morning, you are known as a Donkey and are subject to many light hearted jokes throughout the day. At the end of the day you and your family are rewarded with the traditional German desert iced current buns. These few Christmas traditions in Germany are what lead up to the excitement of Christmas Eve. Prior to any dinner in Germany, the Christmas tree is presented. The Christmas tree actually originated in Germany. While the kid’s play in a different room the mother or father decorates the tree with apples, candy, nuts, cookies and small toys and ornaments. After, the gifts for the children are placed below the tree. Near the tree plates can be found that are made for each individual family member and are packed with fruits, nuts, and chocolate. After all decorations are complete, the mother or father signal to the kid’s that the tree is ready and they can begin to open their gifts. Interesting Tradition: The German word Duckabush means fat or large stomach and is the name that was given to Christmas Eve. Legend has it that those who do not eat a lot on Christmas Eve would be haunted during the night. This is not a problem due in part to many German dishes being readily available such as macaroni salad, roasted pig, and other traditional dishes.
These christmas traditions in Germany are suprisingly not that different than anywhere else. So invite you to go out and enjoy the festivities and explore the atmosphere Germany has to offer.
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