CHRISTMAS IN GERMANY

ADVENTSKALENDAR (ADVENT CALENDAR)

• Counts down the 4 weeks leading up to Christmas Eve
• Now you can purchase original German choco-filled calendars with traditional religious
• Or you can purchase adult ones contains cute scenes

ADVENTSKRANZ (ADVENT WREATH)

• Used as decoration
• Has 4 big candles in the center
• Placed on the table the first Sunday in December
• Gather around to reflect as a family
• Sits around the wreath typically for around an hour
• Every Sunday a new candle is lit
• Typically observed in households that don't unveil the lit Christmas tree until Christmas Eve

SANKT NIKOLAUS TAG (ST. NICKOLAS DAY)

• Night of December 5
• Kids leave a polished pair of boots on the porch hoping that St. Nikolaus will come and leave them treats
• And hoping that his side kick Knecht Reprecht doesn't come to their house to place coal in their polished boots

KRAMPUS NACHT

• Strong men wear demonic clothes, devilish masks, and fur coats
• March from house to house
• When/if the parents let them in they scare the kids into good behavior
• Sometimes they drag the teenagers outside into the snow and dunk them under the snow
• After this is completed you can find these guys in a local pub

CHRISTMAS MARKETS

• During advent season
• The towns are lit up with Christmas decorations
• The locals and tourist go around shopping from the vendors

GLÜHWEIN

• Is a traditional Christmas market drink
• Consists of hot red wine mixed with a optional shot of brandy
• When you pay for this you pay a deposit as well as the price
• If you return the mug you get your deposit back

OH TANNENBAUM

• The tradition of a decorated tree
• 400 year old tradition
• Young custom that began in Germany
• Traditionally decorated with red apples, silk flowers, and candles
• Sometimes decorated with homemade cookies, candy, and chocolate

CHRISTMAS ANGELS

• Hand crafted wooden figurines and angels with musical instruments

CHRISTMAS FOODS

• Meat: duck, goose, rabbit, or roast
• Sides: Apple and sausage stuffing, red cabbage, and potato dumplings
• Fruit cakes is one of Germany's delicacies

FEUERZANGENBOWLE

• Another christmas drink
• This one is unique because it is served lit on fire