The traditions of Christmas in Germany, here's what to expect during the weeks leading up to the Christmas holidays in the most beautiful cities in Germany, read the post and discover the legends of Christmas.
Like many other countries in Northern Europe, the Germany it is festively decorated during the months preceding Christmas day. Here the Christmas spirit is felt already from the end of November, when the first Christmas markets begin to be set up in the squares and streets of every city in the country.
I Christmas Market they are a typical expression of the Nordic tradition and, for this very reason, they evoke that enchanted atmosphere that attracts thousands of visitors every year. In recent months, many European low-cost airlines offer flights to the most popular destinations and their offers are really very advantageous.
Visiting the markets, as well as a pleasant recreation, is the ideal opportunity to find original gift ideas in complete relaxation. The relaxed atmosphere that you breathe there has nothing to do with the frenzy that reigns in shopping centers, especially close to Christmas.
Almost all the products on display are the result of local craftsmanship. You will find Candles, puppets, toys, decorated balls for the Christmas tree and other decorations for the home and many other wooden objects. But, in addition to the numerous gift ideas, the markets will also bewitch you for the abundance and goodness of many gastronomic products, such as mulled wine, caramelized apples, roasted chestnuts just out of the oven… which will be really difficult to resist.
Although in November the markets are already teeming with visitors, according to Germanic tradition the real dances begin on 6 December, on the day of St. Nicholas Day. The legend he wants the children to prepare for the arrival of St. Nikolaus by leaving their shoes on the windowsill or outside the front door during the night of December 5th. During the night, St. Nicholas wanders around the houses, carrying a large book in which he has noted the behavior of each child and carrying a sack full of candies and wooden twigs on his shoulder. Good children will find sweets in their shoes, while naughty ones will only find twigs.
This tradition is still respected even if, instead of leaving the shoes outside, they are hung on the chimney of colored socks.
Staying on the subject of German traditions, did you know that the Christmas tree has its own Germanic roots? Unlike what happens in Italy, in Germany we wait until Christmas Eve to decorate the tree, while dinner cooks slowly in the oven. The menu that is served at the table, as happens in Italy, varies from region to region but among the most common dishes are the roast goose and Christmas carp.
Some families decide to celebrate Christmas Eve, while others to gather around the table await Christmas or even Boxing Day. What unites everyone, regardless of the region, is the desire to share with the whole family the joy of this celebration in front of a richly laid table.
