Christmas in Germany

Advent
The concept "Christmas" of Germany is inseparably linked with
concept "Advent". “Advent” is before Christmas time. This time in the same way is important for Germans, as well as Christmas.
Advent begins on the first of December.

Advent’s wreath
Advent’s wreath – one of the main attributes of Christmas and Adventa. It make of fir-tree or pine branches and decorate with four candles and tapes of red and gold color.

Advent’s calendar
The following attribute of a Christmas holiday – an advent’s calendar. It is intended for children. On it there are 24 windows. Behind each window of children the surprise waits.

Christmas tree
Fir-tree tree – the main symbol of Christmas. Put it usually on the eve of Christmas. It is considered that it brings happiness and blessing in the house. Besides it conjures away evil ghosts from the house.

Praise to a Christmas fir-tree
In some parts of Germany there is one more tradition: on December 26th to visit families of friends and to praise highly their Christmas fir-trees. Germans call this "Christbaumlo-ben" ("Praise to a Christmas fir-tree"). Usually you ring a door and when to you open and let in inside, you look at a fir-tree and you speak: "Good tree! " ("Ein schöner Baum! ").

Christmas market
In before Christmas time there is nothing which is so inspiring awe, as visit of a Christmas market. On a market to you will offer baking, candies and toys, and also local house specialties. Markets open before the first Sunday Adventa.

Day of sacred Nikolay
On December 6 – day of sacred Nikolay. In the evening on December 5th children polish the footwear and put before an entrance door. At night sacred Nikolay comes to the house and puts any gift in each pair of shoes. But sacred Nikolay presents only obedient children.

Christmas dishes
The main Christmas course the Christmas goose is considered. And here these ridiculous gingerbreads not that other as a traditional Christmas entertainment for children.