Christmas is a feeling. Christmas is memory and anticipation in equal measure: In Germany, this feeling is celebrated for over four weeks: Advent. For many people, however, Christmas Eve is the most beautiful day of the year. Traditionally, the Christmas tree is put up and decorated on this day, under which the presents can be found in the afternoon or evening.
Christmas Eve in Germany is a highlight in the annual calendar for many people, warming hearts with a unique blend of tradition and festive magic. This special day is celebrated not only as a religious festival, but also as an occasion to celebrate the love, community and values that make Christmas so unique. From the sparkling Christmas tree decorations to the delicious Christmas dinner, Christmas Eve fills the country with an irresistible atmosphere of warmth and togetherness.
Glittering Christmas time: The Christmas tree is the most beautiful tree
Girl hangs ornaments on the Christmas tree
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“Am Weihnachtsbaume die Lichter brennen, wie glänzt er festlich, lieb und mild…”, goes a popular German Christmas carol. Indeed, the Christmas tree is at the centre of Christmas celebrations almost everywhere. In almost all homes, a richly decorated Christmas tree is set up, around which the presents are later presented. Many families buy the tree together at special market stalls or even cut it themselves in designated forest areas. Many families have inherited Christmas decorations with which the tree is lavishly decorated. Everything that shines and glitters, such as Christmas balls, bells, angel figures or shimmering tinsel, is popular. In Germany, it is still customary to put up real trees and decorate them with real candles. In the evening, the presents brought by the Christ Child or Father Christmas are traditionally placed under the Christmas tree. Then the presents are distributed.
In the south of Germany, especially in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, the custom is “Christbaumloben”. People go from house to house praising the beauty of their neighbour’s Christmas tree. As a thank-you for the compliments, they receive a small gift, such as a bottle of schnapps.
Christmas Eve: Christ Child or Father Christmas?
Decorated Christmas tree and many presents underneath. Christmas tree with lots of colorful decorations
©AdobeStock (VK Studio)
Christ Child or Father Christmas? The question of which of the two brings the presents is answered differently in the regions of Germany. Although Father Christmas with the curly beard is the more recent invention, he has become established and is mainly employed in the north of the country. The Christ Child with the golden curly hair, on the other hand, is more at home in the south. In any case, the children have respect for both, because only the good ones receive plenty of presents, so the parents say. After the presents on 24 December, many families traditionally go to church for Christmas Mass, even though they might not otherwise be seen at the service often. This midnight mass is usually celebrated in a very atmospheric way. The bells ring for the church service and the whole family makes its way there to meet up with other families, neighbours and friends. In the church, the children are particularly interested in the nativity scene, which tells the story of the birth of Christ from the Christmas story with lovingly carved figures.
Festive delights: Christmas dinner from goose to potato salad
Woman sets table for Christmas dinner with roast goose
©gettyimages (alvarez)
Christmas Eve dinner is one of the most traditional and hearty meals of the year. On Christmas Eve, many families serve potato salad with sausages. This tradition is particularly popular in Thuringia and Saxony. On the following Christmas days, roast goose with potato dumplings and red cabbage or carp are served. In Schleswig-Holstein, people prefer duck. Regardless of the dish chosen, Christmas dinner is always a time of fellowship and joy. It is a time of coming together. Christmas dinner is therefore not only a culinary experience, but an expression of love and connection that reflects the festive nature of this time of year.
