In Germany, children—and adults too, of course—traditionally receive their presents on the evening of 24 December, on Christmas Eve. In most families, they are then placed under the Christmas tree in the living room, which is decorated with colourful baubles and candles or fairy lights. These are usually fir or spruce trees that have been felled for Christmas.
The explanation of who brought the presents varies depending on the region and the prevailing confession. In southern Germany, children are usually told the story of the Christ Child: The Christ Child places the presents under the tree without being seen. He is usually depicted as a girl with wings. Today, the Christ Child is more common in Catholic areas. Originally, however, the custom is said to be closely linked to the Reformation and Martin Luther, so it was initially a Protestant tradition.
In northern and eastern Germany, the bringer of gifts is Father Christmas. Visually, he blends in with St Nicholas with his beard and red outfit. However, the two are not identical in the Christmas tradition. Father Christmas travels in a flying sleigh and climbs through the chimneys of houses at night to distribute presents.
In addition to the Christmas tree, some families also have a nativity scene. It depicts the birth of Jesus in the stable in Bethlehem and was the forerunner of the Christmas tree, especially in Catholic areas.
Who decorates the Christmas tree varies from family to family. Sometimes the family does it together, but often it is the parents—the children are only allowed to see the decorated tree on the evening of 24 December. Before the presents are given, there is often a traditional meal, which varies from family to family.
The 25th and 26th of December are Christmas holidays in Germany. Families usually visit each other on these days. The Christmas tree remains up until 6 January—Epiphany.
tun23122003
Christbaum. Foto: tünews INTERNATIONAL / Martin Klaus.
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