Are you celebrating Christmas in Germany? We’ve gathered the complete guide for German Christmas traditions to help you out – including how they celebrate, gifting etiquette, and more.
To help you explore their Christmas traditions, this article is organized into:
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Unique Christmas Traditions in Germany
- Advent Wreath (Adventskranz): This tradition involves a circular wreath with four candles, one for each Sunday leading up to Christmas. Families gather to light a candle each week, symbolizing hope, peace, love, and joy as they prepare for the holiday season.
- Advent Calendar (Adventskalender): Originating in Germany, Advent calendars are used to count down the days until Christmas. Each day features a small gift or treat behind a door, adding excitement for children as they anticipate Christmas Day.
- Heiligabend: In Germany, Christmas Eve is the primary day for family gatherings and gift-giving. Families often decorate their Christmas tree together on this day and enjoy a festive meal. The tradition includes singing carols and reading the Christmas story before exchanging gifts in the evening.
- Christmas Pyramids: Originating from the Erzgebirge region, these wooden pyramids feature tiers of figures that rotate when heated by candles. They are a traditional decoration in many German homes during the holiday season.
How to Say “Merry Christmas” in German?
Extend Christmas wishes in German with the phrase, “Frohe Weihnachten!”
Do you need more variety of Christmas wishes? Here is our full article on Christmas Wishes in German.
German Christmas Gifting Etiquette
In Germany, Christmas gifting is steeped in tradition and etiquette. Here are the essential do’s and don’ts to consider when participating in this festive custom.
Do’s in Gifting
- Open Gifts Immediately: When you receive a gift, it is customary to open it right away. Show enthusiasm and express gratitude with a compliment about the gift.
- Personalize Your Gifts: Germans appreciate thoughtful gifts that reflect effort and sentiment. Personalized items, especially those that include photos or meaningful messages, are well-received.
- Include a Card: Always accompany your gift with a card. It’s common for everyone involved in the gifting to sign the card, even if there isn’t much written inside.
- Give Practical Gifts: Items like wine, fine chocolates, or local specialties from your home country are popular choices. These gifts are generally well-received and appreciated.
Don’ts in Gifting
- Avoid Personal Gifts: Steer clear of overly personal items like jewelry or clothing unless you know the recipient very well. General gifts like scarves or mugs are safer options.
- Be Cautious with Flowers: Certain flowers carry specific meanings; for example, red roses symbolize romantic love and should not be given to colleagues. Opt for yellow roses or other non-romantic flowers instead.
- Avoid Gifting Money Indirectly: While giving cash is common, it’s better to present it directly rather than hiding it within another gift. This gesture shows more thoughtfulness.
Traditional German Christmas Food and Drink
- Stollen: A sweet yeast cake filled with marzipan, nuts, and dried fruits, Stollen is perhaps the most iconic German Christmas cake. It is often dusted with icing sugar and is widely available during the holiday season.
- Feuerzangenbowle: This is a traditional German holiday drink made by setting a rum-soaked sugarloaf on fire, letting it drip into mulled wine below. The ritual of making Feuerzangenbowle is a communal activity, often done at Christmas markets or gatherings, bringing warmth and a festive spirit to the chilly season.
Christmas Markets (Weihnachtsmärkte)
German Christmas markets are famous worldwide and typically feature wooden stalls selling handcrafted items, festive foods like Lebkuchen (gingerbread), and warm beverages such as Glühwein (mulled wine). These markets create a magical atmosphere filled with lights, music, and the aroma of seasonal delicacies.
St. Nicholas Day (Nikolaustag)
Celebrated on December 6th, St. Nicholas Day is a beloved German tradition where children place their shoes or boots outside their door on the night of December 5th. St. Nicholas, known as Nikolaus, visits during the night and fills the shoes with treats like chocolates, fruits, or small gifts for those who have been good, while naughty children might find coal or a stick.
Krampus and Knecht Ruprecht
In some parts of Germany, especially in Bavaria, St. Nicholas is accompanied by Knecht Ruprecht or Krampus, a dark, devilish figure who scares misbehaving children. Knecht Ruprecht carries a bundle of sticks and sometimes a sack, adding a playful but slightly frightening twist to the festivities.
Conclusion
Celebrating Christmas in Germany goes beyond food and gifts. It’s a time to honor love, cherish family, and embrace timeless traditions. Christmas is imbued with cultural richness and meaningful celebrations. Have a happy holiday!
Sophie is an etiquette coach who has the rare ability to make the intricacies of etiquette approachable and fun. She travels around the world coaching families, individuals, corporates and independent schools. Sophie has honed her craft without losing her easy-going charm.