Many of our traditions in North America come from Germany, in part because the United States has more people with German ancestry than any other. Some of these lovely traditions include the Christmas tree (Weihnachtsbaum) -- would it be Christmas without it? Traditionally Germans put candles on their Christmas trees, and some even continue this potentially dangerous, albeit beautiful tradition. The carols, "Oh Christmas Tree" (O, Tannenbaum) and "Silent Night" (Stille Nacht) come from Germany.
Lebkuchen, also known as gingerbread, comes from Germany as well. What would Christmas be without sweet little gingerbread men? I have also baked Berlinerkranzer, delectable orange-flavored Christmas cookies shaped like wreathes with green and red decorations. They are my favorite Christmas cookie.
Germans celebrate Christmas for two full days, December 25, as we do in North America, and also on December 26. Many Germans prefer to open their presents on Christmas Eve, rather than the Christmas morning that American children are used to. The following two days are spent with family and friends, eating, celebrating, and doing other such convivial things.
For the northern half of Germany, children are visited by the Weihnachtsmann, literally "Christmas man," akin to our Santa Claus. Children in some southern regions of Germany are said to be visited by the Christ child himself, the Christkind.
The traditional Christmas dinner in Germany is goose, but many Germans today eat other dishes instead. Turkey, which is native to the North American continent, is not quite as common in Europe, although it is certainly available. There is nothing quite like German cooking on a cold winter's day. It is so hearty, appetizing, and filling -- a real treat.
What is Christkindlmarkt? It is one of the world's largest markets for Christmas goods, and known the world over. It is held in Nürnberg (Nuremberg) during the holiday season. There you can buy such traditional German things as Stollen, a sweet, heavy, bread-like cake made with dried fruits and almond paste (Marzipan).
Children in Germany count down the days before der Weihnachtsmann (or das Christkind, as the case may be) on an Advent calendar that differs somewhat from those used here in America. Each day the child opens the tiny window, as we do, but behind each one is a treat waiting for him, usually chocolate. I have found this kind of calendar here in America at Cracker Barrel restaurants.
Fröhliche Weihnachten!
