2 minute read
A Family Celebration
Celebrating Christmas with World Language
For most Germans, and indeed, most people around the world, Christmas time is deeply connected to tradition and family. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, cities are decorated while Christmas markets set up show in the pedestrian zones, which are usually right in the heart of the bigger cities. But even smaller villages sometimes have their Christmas markets as well. The smell of sausages, mulled wine, and roasted almonds permeates the streets, while kids run around between the vendors’ stands, which are often decorated as small huts. It is a time to slow down and get into the Christmas spirit.
What is different from some other cultures is that Christmas in Germany is celebrated on the 24th of December. The morning is usually busy with work or preparations. In the afternoon, even people who normally do not go to church will often attend a service, so the churches are full. In the evening, the family gathers around the table, which often has simple food (a staple being potato salad and wiener sausages), since the day did not leave much time for preparation. After the food, the “Christ child” brings the presents, and the kids are allowed to open them.
Both Christmas and Boxing Day are public holidays in Germany, so there is ample time to spend with family, and this is where the more sophisticated meals are usually enjoyed. Here, the Weihnachtsgans (Christmas goose) is a staple, although a wide variety of food is enjoyed. All in all, as in many places, Christmas is a time to celebrate with family and enjoy the good side of life!
