My grandparents migrated from Germany long before I was even a twinkle in my father's eye. My father was two at the time and doesn't remember much of his life in Germany. My grandmother, though, has always stayed in touch with her brothers and sisters remaining in Germany and often longed for a Christmas spent with her family back home. When I was eight, my father made that wish come true for her.
I can still remember the look on my grandmother's face that when my father told her that he was taking her and his family to Germany for two weeks at Christmas (my grandfather had passed the year prior). She had never managed to be in Germany at Christmas time since she left, she always spent Christmas with my grandfather, my father, and our family. She started exclaiming all sorts of things in German and hugging my father, sobbing the whole time.
We arrived in Germany on December 23rd. I was exhausted, but I couldn't sleep as my grandmother kept poking me awake, trying to get me to look at all the decorations in her hometown. I said to her that I thought everything looked rather plain ? I was used to the bright lights and almost garish decorations of home. She just laughed, and told me to look closer. When I did, I realized how beautiful everything was, and how very GREEN. There were boughs of fir and pine everywhere. Most were tied on with big red bows, and candles were lit in every window. I was in awe.
We reached her sister's home; we'd be staying with various relatives throughout the two weeks. It was the last Sunday of Advent, and my great aunt asked me to light the Advent candle for the evening. I was so honored ? my parents never let me anywhere NEAR our Advent wreath at home. I remember being very nervous that I would drop the lighting candle and catch the wreath on fire.
Christmas Eve, we went to my grandmother's childhood church. I remember her weeping throughout the service. I asked my father why my grandmother was so sad. He told me that it was a combination of happy that she was home again, and sad that my grandfather couldn't be there to spend the time with her. I slid across the pew to give my grandmother a hug.
When we returned home from church, I saw a room open that had previously been shut. I thought it was just a spare bedroom or something, until I saw the glow coming from the Christmas tree. It was glorious. They used real candles on the tree, and the presents were so beautifully wrapped. That's an image I'll never forget.
After the presents came a feast. I must confess that many of the foods were so different for me that I didn't enjoy it as much as I should have. The goose was quite good, and then I loved the marzipan fruits, cookies, and chocolates.
We stayed in Germany through the Feast of the Epiphany, leaving on January 7th. I met so many family members in those weeks, many of which I haven't spoken to since. My grandmother passed away three months later. My father always said that she was just waiting to be able to spend one more Christmas in Germany. All I know is that Christmas in Germany is one I will never forget.
The Christmas holiday begins December 24th and ends on the 26th. On the 24th (Christmas Eve), most Germans work a half day and shops are open until the early afternoon. Gifts are usually opened on the evening of the 24th. Christmas day is a little different. Unlike the U.S., Germany celebrates two Christmas days, the 25th and the 26th.
Christmas weather in Germany is usually around 28-40 degrees fahrenheit. Snow is not very common during this time. You may get lucky if you are visiting a town which is located at a higher elevation. On average Germany probably gets snow one out of five years in lower areas.
Christmas in Germany may be one of the most unique experiences you ever have. With the famous Christmas markets in almost every town you come across, you are sure to have a time of your life. Whether you visit Germany during the Holidays Season for business or pleasure, you will have a lot to talk about when you return home. The way Germans celebrate this holiday is not much different than the way Americans do. The tradition of the Christmas tree with the presents underneath is of course the main tradition. You will find lights all over the place as you will in the U.S. Stockings are traditional as well as they are hung and filled with goodies for the kids. Santa Claus (Weihnachtsmann) is no different. The big, bearded man dressed in red who rides in a slay pulled by raindeer. Children are always excited to see what Santa left them under the tree. Lets talk about some of the things you will experience during the Christmas holiday in Germany.
Christmas Fests (Weihnachtsfest) - Possibly the number one attraction during Christmas time in Germany. These exciting functions usually start toward the end of November and end on the 22nd or 23rd of December in bigger cities like Frankfurt, Berlin and Munich. In smaller cities they are normally held on one weekend in December. Each town holds their own fest so it is not uncommon for the fests to be held on different weekends. Traditionally the Mayor of the town opens the Christmas fest by lighting an enormous tree.
Christmas fests are a place you can go with your family to enjoy the Christmas season and take in every wonderful thing this season brings. Fests are usually held at the city center in a public, open area. You just walk up to the area and enjoy. You may not want to drive to the fests. Germany has very limited parking spots during normal months and it is almost impossible to get a parking spot anywhere close to a Christmas market. There is one option if you wish to drive, you can park in a garage and pay approximatly two euro an hour but I will warn you, the Gluehwein tends to sneak up on you. There are several things to experience during these fests. Below are just a few of the more traditional ones.
Gluehwein (Glow Wine) This is a very popular alcoholic drink during the Christmas holiday in Germany. Gluehwein is a warm red wine that is served out of small shacks at these fests. Gluewein is normally only served during the Christmas season but you can purchase it year-round at a German liquor store.
Gingerbread (Lebkuchen) The traditional gingerbread that you will see is covered in chocolate. You will see several shapes and sizes, decorated or not as you wonder through the fest. The city of Nuremberg provides the most famous gingerbread that can be found all over Germany during the holiday season.
Nutcracker Soldiers and Drummers, These famous figurines can be found throughout any fest you visit as well. They range from miniature sizes to extremely large and there are several different styles to choose from.
Chestnuts (Maronen) Just like the famous song, chestnuts are ,roasted on an open fire, and served to you very warm. You will notice many people munching on these goodies throughout the fests as well.
Christmas Food, Some of the tradional Christmas dishes are:
Christmas Goose (Weihnachtsgans) This dish traditionally consists of a stuffed goose, potatoe dumplings, red cabage and a wine flavored sauce. There is no special technique in fixing this dish but the sauce consists of wine, the juices produced while cooking the goose and a gravy. You can find this at many German restaurants during the Christmas season and many German family make it as well.
Weihnachtsstollen, There is no English translation that we know of but this German bread consists of raisins, almond paste, candied orange peel and many other ingredients. The bread is topped with powdered sugar. You can find this bread in any supermarket in Germany during the Christmas season.
Candy Apples (Bratapfel) These flavorfull caramel covered apples are very popular during the Christmas season in Germany as well as America and many other Countries. You can find these treats mainly at the Christmas fests.
Christmas Cookies (Weihnachtsgebaeck) Christmas cookies are made in many different variations and flavors throughout Germany. You are sure to find some that suite your taste buds. There is no single traditional Christmas cookie made in particular but you will find Christmas cookies throughout Germany during Christmas.
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