German Christmas Traditions

Of course, Weihnachtstag – Christmas Day is very important in Bavarian and Germany culture.

But to understand this sacred holiday, one has to begin by knowing that Christmas is really celebrated much earlier than the actual day.

Christmas in Bavaria is wonderful and the Advent calendar begins on the first Sunday after November 26. This is when the beginning of the Christmas celebration starts.

Advent calendars are often used by children to countdown to Christmas Eve. Sometimes even put up next to the children’s bed or room, the time of year sparks much anticipation for the children.

Advent wreaths are also used to mark the time between the beginnings of Advent until Christmas. A wreath is ornamented with four candles, one for each Sunday before Christmas.

It is one of the important German Christmas traditions that each Sunday another candle is lit. You can find advent candles in homes and stores throughout Germany during Christmastime.

St. Nicholas day is celebrated on December 6. On that day children go to bed with much anticipation, waiting to see if St. Nicholas, the Patron Saint of children thought they were sinful or not.

If their name isn’t written in the book of sins, the children can expect candy and small treats to fill the shoe that they left near the fireplace.

If sinful, all the poor (but naughty) child will receive is a few small twigs. Nikolaustag is the name for St. Nicholas day.

A Christmas tree is definitely important and expected by Germans during Christmas. One of the German Christmas traditions that is quite unique is that you won’t see children happily decorating the Christmas tree with mom or dad.

Because of this, the children cannot be present during the decorating part. The mom decorates the tree with cookies, candles, gingerbread men and msc.

Other items while the children wait anxiously in another room. After decorating the tree, mom sets a table for the family with goodies and food for each family member.

Then the children are finally brought back in to witness the finished Christmas tree and decorated table and all of it glorious offerings.

Singing, decorating and merriment are definitely a big part of the Christmas celebration in Germany. Big feasts are eaten on Christmas Eve and Christmas day.

The Christmas markets that can be found all over Germany and are very famous contribute to not only the celebrating, but also to the shopping needs of the citizens who are decorating and preparing meals for the festivities.

Music being so important to the season as well, can be heard in the markets, in the homes, and especially in the churches.

Of course, attending church services is a very important aspect to this season as well. Many people attend services on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and St. Stephens day.

Zweiter Weihnachtsfeiertag is St. Stephens day and is celebrated on December 26. The day is typically used as a way to settle down after a lot Christmas celebrations.

People in Germany use this day to relax with family and eat leftovers. Many people also use this time to visit other family and friends they weren’t able to meet with yet over Christmastime.

There is usually a German Church service to attend for many as well. St. Stephen was a Christian Martyr.

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