If you have one of those little calendars with a slot that opens each day leading up to Christmas that contains a picture, or chocolate, or small toy, then you've been practicing a German tradition. Many Germans set out an advent wreath, adventskranz, on a table with four candles - a candle for each week of the advent (the time leading up to Christ's birthday). The first candle is lit on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, with another being lit on each consecutive Sunday. The original advent calendars were simple paper cards which opened to reveal a picture, with the 24th spot usually showing the nativity. Now they're filled with all sorts of things, and a fun countdown to Christmas.
We also have Germany to mostly thank for the Christmas tree. The concept of decorating a pine for Christmas originated in Germany in the early 18th century, but was not widely popular until the 1870-1871 war, when the army placed Christmas trees in barracks and military hospitals.
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| Advent Wreath |
Germans have one big Christmas tree difference though, something that doesn't seem to have spread along with the tree's popularity. Kids are not traditionally included in the decorating of the tree. Usually on Christmas Eve (and not before) the tree is placed in a locked room where the parents decorate it. At some point during the night the children are allowed into the room to see the lit and decorated tree, possibly already surrounded by presents.
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| Christkind |
And who brings those presents? Well on December 5th, the eve of St. Nicholas Day, children leave out their shoes and boots for Weihnachtsmann ("Christmas Man") to fill with candies and treats if they were good, or sticks if they were naughty. Then on Christmas Eve, December 24th, the children leave out letters for Christkind, a winged crowned figure that leaves presents for Christmas morning. Double the presents for German kids!
So, Frohe Weihnachten everyone!
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