5 Facts About Christmas in Germany

 

Christmas in Germany is similar to Christmas in North America in many ways but there are some differences which I found rather surprising after spending my first Christmas in Germany

1st Fact About Christmas in Germany - Santa Clause Doesn't Come at Christmas
I know what you're thinking, oh those poor German children, but don't feel too sorry for them, since while Santa Clause (Weihnachtsmann in German) may not come, Christkind (the Christ Child in English) is the gift bearer in Germany and throughout different parts of Europe. Christkind couldn't look more different than Santa Claus though.  He is usually depicted as a child and angel-like with curly blond hair.  As with Santa Claus though, children never see Christkind in action (hopefully).  It also should be said that the Weihnactsmann is becoming increasing more common as the gift bearer in Germany,  much to the chagrin of some people as the above photo demonstrates translating as "We believe in the Christ Child, don't give Santa Claus a chance."

One depiction of Christkind who makes an appearance every Christmas in Germany

 2nd Fact About Christmas in Germany - Christmas Comes Early
Children in North America would be so jealous of children in Germany if they knew they got their presents a whole 12 hours earlier.  Christkind comes in the early evening of Dec 24th and presents are opened that evening instead of waiting until the morning of the 25th.  It closely resembles Christmas morning in North America, but perhaps with fewer presents since many Germans are more practical with their spending and gift giving than many North Americans are. 

 3rd Fact About Christmas in Germany - There is an Extra Christmas Holiday
Or more specifically St Nicholas Day (the famous saint on who Santa Claus is based)  and he comes very early - on December 6th and he may even make house calls in person!  When J.P. (my German fiance) was very young he remembered St. Nicholas knocking on the door, then reading from his "Naughty or Nice" book, all the "naught and nice" things he had done that year.  He said he was afraid of St. Nicholas, but fortunately always made the "nice" list.  St. Nicholas is not nearly as generous as Christkind though usually only giving candy.

Christkind and Santa Clause, but there is a movement to keep Christkind as the gift giver and not the American Santa Claus as depicted in the top photo

4th Fact About Christmas in Germany -Turkeys are Safe in Germany
Many North Americans celebrate Christmas with a nice turkey dinner but you won't find a turkey dinner in sight at a German Christmas Dinner.  A roast goose is the traditional Christmas dish served along with some red cabbage, although wild boar may also be served in place of the roast goose.

5th Fact About Christmas in Germany - There's No (gasp) Snacking Nor Junk Food
Germans are not big snackers to begin with nor junk food eaters, but you definitely won't go hungry at a German Christmas.  You will likely have three filling meals and coffee and cake in the afternoon, but I feel this is worth mentioning since there will likely be no soda or chips in the house and if you do watch a Christmas movie you will likely be watching the movie, not snacking away endlessly while doing it.  For the first time in many years I didn't walk away bloated feeling like I had gained 5 pounds, so perhaps this should be the 6th thing to know about Christmas in Germany.

You may also be interested in German Christmas Markets:

German Christmas Markets for Children
The Stuttgart Christmas Market
5 Tips for Going to a German Christmas Market
Ludwigsburg Christmas Market
What Does Hiking in Germany Have in Common With German Christmas Markets?

and
How to Celebrate Christmas While Living Abroad