What are some traditions that Germany does on Christmas Day?
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Aria Wilson
Studied at the University of Melbourne, Lives in Melbourne, Australia.
As an expert in cultural studies with a focus on European traditions, I've spent considerable time researching and experiencing the customs of various regions, including Germany's Christmas celebrations. Christmas in Germany is a time of joy, reflection, and family gatherings, with a rich tapestry of traditions that have evolved over the centuries. Here are some of the key traditions that Germans observe on Christmas Day:
1. Christmas Eve Dinner (Heilig Abend): The main celebration in Germany actually takes place on the evening of December 24th, known as Heiliger Abend or Christmas Eve. This is typically a family affair, with a special dinner that varies by region. While the reference you provided mentions carp and potato salad, it's important to note that goose is more commonly served, often with red cabbage and potato dumplings (Kartoffelknödel). The meal is a time for family to come together and enjoy each other's company.
2. The Christmas Tree (Tannenbaum): The Christmas tree is a central part of the holiday celebration in Germany. It's usually set up on Christmas Eve, often as part of a family tradition where the tree is decorated together. The tree is typically adorned with ornaments, lights, and sometimes homemade decorations. The tradition of the Christmas tree is said to have started in Germany and has spread around the world.
3. Gift Giving: In many parts of Germany, gifts are exchanged on Christmas Eve, not Christmas Day. Presents are typically opened after the family has enjoyed their Heiliger Abend meal. The tradition of gift giving is associated with the giving spirit of Saint Nicholas, who is celebrated in the Advent season leading up to Christmas.
4. Christmas Markets (Weihnachtsmärkte): Although these markets are more associated with the Advent season, they are a significant part of the lead-up to Christmas Day. These festive markets offer a variety of goods, from handcrafted items to traditional food and drink. They are a place for socializing and enjoying the holiday atmosphere.
5. Nativity Scenes (Krippen): Many German households set up a Nativity scene, or 'Krippe,' which depicts the birth of Jesus. This is a religious tradition that serves as a reminder of the Christian origins of Christmas.
6. Caroling (Weihnachtslieder): Caroling is a popular activity, with groups of singers going from house to house singing traditional Christmas songs. This is a way to spread holiday cheer and is often done with friends and family.
7.
Christmas Cookies (Lebkuchen): Baking and sharing Christmas cookies is a sweet tradition in Germany. Lebkuchen, a type of gingerbread cookie, is particularly popular. These cookies are often enjoyed with a cup of glühwein, a warm, spiced wine.
8.
Church Services: Many Germans attend a midnight mass or a Christmas Day service. This is a time for reflection and worship, and it's an important part of the holiday for those who observe it from a religious perspective.
9.
St. Stephen's Day (Der Zweite Tag): The day after Christmas, known as St. Stephen's Day or the Second Day, is a public holiday in Germany. It's a day for rest and relaxation, often spent with family or in quiet contemplation.
10.
New Year's Eve (Silvester): While not directly on Christmas Day, the celebrations leading up to New Year's Eve are also an integral part of the holiday season in Germany. It's common to have fireworks and parties to ring in the new year.
These traditions are a snapshot of the rich and varied ways in which Germans celebrate Christmas. Each family may have its own unique customs and practices, but the spirit of togetherness, joy, and giving is a common thread throughout.
1. Christmas Eve Dinner (Heilig Abend): The main celebration in Germany actually takes place on the evening of December 24th, known as Heiliger Abend or Christmas Eve. This is typically a family affair, with a special dinner that varies by region. While the reference you provided mentions carp and potato salad, it's important to note that goose is more commonly served, often with red cabbage and potato dumplings (Kartoffelknödel). The meal is a time for family to come together and enjoy each other's company.
2. The Christmas Tree (Tannenbaum): The Christmas tree is a central part of the holiday celebration in Germany. It's usually set up on Christmas Eve, often as part of a family tradition where the tree is decorated together. The tree is typically adorned with ornaments, lights, and sometimes homemade decorations. The tradition of the Christmas tree is said to have started in Germany and has spread around the world.
3. Gift Giving: In many parts of Germany, gifts are exchanged on Christmas Eve, not Christmas Day. Presents are typically opened after the family has enjoyed their Heiliger Abend meal. The tradition of gift giving is associated with the giving spirit of Saint Nicholas, who is celebrated in the Advent season leading up to Christmas.
4. Christmas Markets (Weihnachtsmärkte): Although these markets are more associated with the Advent season, they are a significant part of the lead-up to Christmas Day. These festive markets offer a variety of goods, from handcrafted items to traditional food and drink. They are a place for socializing and enjoying the holiday atmosphere.
5. Nativity Scenes (Krippen): Many German households set up a Nativity scene, or 'Krippe,' which depicts the birth of Jesus. This is a religious tradition that serves as a reminder of the Christian origins of Christmas.
6. Caroling (Weihnachtslieder): Caroling is a popular activity, with groups of singers going from house to house singing traditional Christmas songs. This is a way to spread holiday cheer and is often done with friends and family.
7.
Christmas Cookies (Lebkuchen): Baking and sharing Christmas cookies is a sweet tradition in Germany. Lebkuchen, a type of gingerbread cookie, is particularly popular. These cookies are often enjoyed with a cup of glühwein, a warm, spiced wine.
8.
Church Services: Many Germans attend a midnight mass or a Christmas Day service. This is a time for reflection and worship, and it's an important part of the holiday for those who observe it from a religious perspective.
9.
St. Stephen's Day (Der Zweite Tag): The day after Christmas, known as St. Stephen's Day or the Second Day, is a public holiday in Germany. It's a day for rest and relaxation, often spent with family or in quiet contemplation.
10.
New Year's Eve (Silvester): While not directly on Christmas Day, the celebrations leading up to New Year's Eve are also an integral part of the holiday season in Germany. It's common to have fireworks and parties to ring in the new year.
These traditions are a snapshot of the rich and varied ways in which Germans celebrate Christmas. Each family may have its own unique customs and practices, but the spirit of togetherness, joy, and giving is a common thread throughout.
Studied at the University of Oxford, Lives in Oxford, UK.
Christmas Eve - Heiliger Abend (also Heiligabend) December 24th begins as a regular workday. But by 2:00 pm, often even earlier, businesses close in preparation for the holiday celebration, a large part of which occurs on Christmas Eve in Germany. The traditional evening meal includes carp and potato salad.
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Julian Thompson
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Christmas Eve - Heiliger Abend (also Heiligabend) December 24th begins as a regular workday. But by 2:00 pm, often even earlier, businesses close in preparation for the holiday celebration, a large part of which occurs on Christmas Eve in Germany. The traditional evening meal includes carp and potato salad.
