Celebrating Christmas in Germany

Walking through a German village decorated for Weihnachten (Christmas) is amazing. The houses look like traditional gingerbread houses.

The Christmas Markets are well-stocked with all kinds of treats from Christmas Stollen (fruitcake) and Lebkuchen (gingerbread) to wood carvings and decorations for the Weihnachtsbaum (Christmas tree).

One of the first signs that Christmas is around the corner is the baking of all kinds of traditional Christmas cakes and Christmas cookies. As well, it's time to either make or buy an Advent wreath or Adventskranz in German.

The Adventskranz, made of evergreen twigs, is decorated with pine cones, little red mushrooms, and ribbons. There are four candles: the first one is lit on the last Sunday in November, and then another candle on each successive Sunday before Christmas.

In the photo above, my Mom (second on the left) and her mom and sisters are sitting around an Adventskranz, the centerpiece for their Christmas coffee. The purpose for Advent? To prepare for the coming of Jesus.

The Advent calendar is a real treat for kids. With twenty-four numbers on little doors that get opened according to the date, it’s an easy way for children to count down the days until Christmas Eve. Behind the little doors are usually pictures of toys. The newer Advent calendars are much more enjoyable - chocolates are behind each door!

Another way of celebrating Christmas in Germany happens on December 6th. The night before, children put their shoes (the largest they can find) at their bedside. The next morning, thanks to Saint Nicholas (St. Nick), the shoes are filled with all kinds of delicious treats, usually edible, but sometimes little toys as well. (Is this where the idea of the American Christmas stocking comes from?)

After the evening Church service, the candles (lights) are lit, a bell is rung, and the children are allowed to enter into the room to behold the tree . . . and the presents hidden underneath! Above, our youngest, Richard, is just starting to open his presents. The Advent Wreath, shown in front, is fully lit. Christmas has arrived!

The room is filled with all kinds of fragrances. Plates of Christmas cookies, marzipan, chocolates, and Christmas stollen are accompanied with bowls of fruits.

Of course, there is a Gingerbread House to nibble on.

This traditional treat was reminiscent of the Hansel and Gretel Fairy Tale. Ours came in many shapes and themes. Fun to make and fun to eat!

My friend, Kelly has a website called Gingerbread House Heaven. Click here to open a new window where you will learn how to make a Gingerbread House with or for your child. You can pretend that you are celebrating Christmas in Germany no matter where you live on the globe.)

The scent of pine and candles fills the room. The laughter of children opening presents and the singing of Christmas carols fills the air. After this, there is a feast of German Christmas foods.

Celebrating Christmas in Germany truly is a feast for the senses. It is one that can be duplicated wherever you are in the world. Try any one or all of the above traditions and enjoy this wonderful time of the year. You'll find the recipes below. Frohe Weihnachten!

German Christmas Cakes

German Christmas Cookies

German Christmas Feast

Share your German Christmas Memories

Do you have memories of celebrating Christmas in Germany? Or perhaps you or your parents brought their German traditions with them, and you celebrated a German Christmas in other parts of the world. Share your memories including the FOOD!

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