1. Christmas Traditions
In Germany

2.  Christmas, or Weihnachten, is considered by Germans to be the
most important of the major holidays. The German holiday season is
a time for introspection, family and friends. Not only the holiday itself,
but also the weeks leading up to the celebration of Christmas involve
many traditions and customs.
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3. Advent
 The German Christmas season officially begins with the first Sunday
of Advent.
 Stollen, and Christmas cookies (Plätzchen) are often baked during
this time.
 Gingerbread houses, hand-carved wooden Nutcracker figures
(Nussknacker), and lighted city streets.
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4. Christmas Market in Frankfurt
and Mainz
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5. Advent Calendar and Advent Wreath
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6. Nikolaus
 St. Nicholas Day is celebrated on December 6th in Germany. On the
evening before the 6th, children place their newly cleaned shoes in
front of the door in the hope that Nicholas might fill them with nuts,
fruits, chocolate, and sweets. If the children have behaved well, their
wishes will be fulfilled. Children who didn't behave will receive only a
switch, which symbolizes punishment.
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7. Christmas Tree
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8. Christmas Eve - Heiligabend
 December 24th begins as a regular workday. But by 2:00 pm, often
even earlier, businesses close. The traditional evening meal includes
potato salad and sausages. Families sing Christmas carols together
and may read the story of Christ's birth aloud. Family members
exchange gifts; children are typically the focal point of the gift
exchange.
 On Christmas Eve, German families - whether Protestant or Catholic
and even those who are not regular church-goers - often attend mass
or a church service.
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9. Christmas Days
 Both December 25 and 26 are legal holidays in Germany and are known as
the First and Second Christmas Day. It became days of family celebration.
Businesses are closed, and time is spent visiting with extended family. Goose
is the traditional fare on the First Christmas Day, or perhaps rabbit or a roast.
These are accompanied by traditional German fare such as apple and
sausage stuffing, red cabbage, and potato dumplings. The second Christmas
day is usually a quieter time, a day for peaceful contemplation.
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10. Christmas Days
 Both December 25 and 26 are legal holidays in Germany and are known as
the First and Second Christmas Day. It became days of family celebration.
Businesses are closed, and time is spent visiting with extended family. Goose
is the traditional fare on the First Christmas Day, or perhaps rabbit or a roast.
These are accompanied by traditional German fare such as apple and
sausage stuffing, red cabbage, and potato dumplings. The second Christmas
day is usually a quieter time, a day for peaceful contemplation.
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