Where in the World is Germany?
Germany is on the continent of Europe. It is located in northern Europe. The German people live in Germany. The language they speak is also called German. A holiday greeting in Germany is Frohliche Weihnachten. It means "Merry Christmas!"

When is Christmas celebrated in Germany?
Christmas is celebrated on December 25th. It is a holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus. Winter weather in Germany is cold. Some temperatures can be near freezing like our weather. Usually there is snow all over Germany, but especially in the mountains.

The Christmas season begins in Germany four weeks before Christmas Day. This time is called Advent. It is a time to prepare for Christmas. Special markets open in the cities. Shoppers go there to buy food, toys and Christmas decorations. Songs, music and the smell of roasting chestnuts fill the air. The Christmas season ends on January 6. This day is called Epiphany or Three Kings' Day.

Is there a special gift giver in Germany?
Most children receive gifts from St. Nicholas. He wears a red robe and a pointed hat. He also has a white beard and carries a cane. He brings gifts on St. Nicholas Day which is celebrated on December 6th.

St. Nicholas Day is celebrated on December 6th. The night before, children leave one shoe by their fireplace. The next day, their shoe is filled with treats.

Some children also believe in the Weihnachtsmann, which means Christmas Man. He looks like St. Nicholas and brings gifts on Christmas Eve.

Children can also write letters to the baby Jesus. They call him the Cristkind. They sometimes ask for gifts in the letter. Many children decorate their letters with glue and sugar.

Family members share presents with each other on Christmas Eve. Many families go to Church after the presents are opened.

On Christmas Day, families spend the day with relatives and friends. Children receive more presents from grandparents, aunts and uncles.

How do the Germans decorate their houses?
In Germany, the Christmas tree is the symbol of Christmas. Germans were the first to decorate an evergreen tree at Christmas. The German word for Christmas tree is tannenbaum.

Christmas trees are decorated on Christmas Eve. While children wait in another room, or with their grandparents, their parents decorate the tree. They decorate their tree with tinsel, candles, stars, lights and angels. Baked decorations are also used. When the tree is done, presents are placed under it. After dinner, the parents ring a bell. The children come into the room and see the tree for the first time! The children can't open their presents, they have to earn them first. They recite poems, and then the whole family sings carols. Then the children can open their gifts!

Germans hang lights outside on their houses, stores and on lampposts.

Another Christmas decoration is the advent wreath. It is a wreath with four candles in it. A candle is lit every week. On week two they light two candles, on week three, they light three candles and on week four they light all four candles.

Children count the days until Christmas with an Advent Calendar. The calendar starts December 1st and ends on Christmas Day. It usually is in the shape of a house and has doors on it. Each day one door is opened. There can be pictures, treats or small gifts behind the doors.

What special food do the Germans eat?
Many different kinds of food are eaten at Christmas. Some families eat roast goose, turkey or duck. Some also eat a fish called carp.

A popular German food is lebkuchen, which is gingerbread. It is used to make cookies, decorations, and gingerbread houses. Marzipan is candy of roasted almonds and sugar. The also eat Christstollen, which is bread filled with nuts, raisins, and dried fruit.

What are some other special traditions?
The Germans like to go Christmas caroling and sing songs. Some of these songs are: "Oh Tannenbaum," which means, "Oh Christmas Tree," "Silent Night, Holy Night" and "Hark the Herald, Angels Sing." These songs were written by Germans.

Another tradition is the burning of the Yule Log. The Yule Log is burned in the fireplace. Germans hope this will keep bad luck away in the new year.

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Would you like to read more about Germany?
Here are some really awesome books you might like to read about Germany. There are both fiction and nonfiction books that will help you learn more about this country.