How to Celebrate Christmas in Germany

Sometimes travelers find themselves caught in the middle of the holiday season in a foreign land--with no idea how to conduct themselves in keeping with local tradition. Read on to find out how to celebrate Christmas in Germany, and be prepared for a lot of fun!

Instructions

1. Set up a Christmas tree. In Germany, Christmas trees are the staple when it comes to holiday decorations; some houses have two or three! Be sure to take a walk around town to admire the Christmas trees on display.

2. On the evening of December 1, set aside some time with your loved ones and bake Christmas goodies together (cakes and cookies are the norm). Make Christmas decorations together as well.

3. Ask children to write letters to Christkind (the German Santa Claus;a robed, crowned figure with wings who distributes Christmas presents). After the letters have been written (and decorated with glitter, if available), display them on a windowsill for Christkind to find.

4. Ask your children to place their empty shoes just outside of the door of the house on December 5. On December 6, watch as your children wake up and run to the door to check their shoes for presents from Nikolaustag.

5. Eat a hearty meal with your loved ones on Christmas Eve.

6. Watch as your children discover the gifts left for them by the Christkind on Christmas morning, who has magically taken their letters from the windowsill.