12/28/2024
Here are 10 interesting facts about German Christmas traditions:
1. _Christmas Pickle_: In some German families, it's traditional to hide a pickle in the Christmas tree. The first child to find it on Christmas morning receives an extra gift!
2. _Advent Calendars_: Germans invented the Advent calendar, which has 24 doors or windows, one for each day leading up to Christmas.
3. _Christmas Markets_: Germany has over 2,500 Christmas markets, offering festive food, drinks, and handmade crafts.
4. _St. Nicholas_: In Germany, St. Nicholas (Nikolaus) is celebrated on December 6th, where children receive gifts and treats.
5. _Christmas Tree_: The evergreen fir tree has been a symbol of life and hope during the cold and dark winter months in Germany since the 16th century.
6. _Gingerbread Houses_: Germans invented the tradition of building gingerbread houses during Christmas, which dates back to the 16th century.
7. _Christmas Eve_: In Germany, Christmas Eve (Heiliger Abend) is the main day of celebration, where families come together for a festive meal and exchange gifts.
8. _Sausage and Potato Salad_: In some German regions, it's traditional to eat sausage and potato salad on Christmas Eve.
9. _Midnight Mass_: Many Germans attend midnight mass on Christmas Eve, which is a special church service that takes place at midnight.
10. _Christmas Pyramids_: Germans have a unique tradition of building Christmas pyramids, which are wooden or ceramic structures with multiple tiers, often featuring candles, angels, and other festive decorations.