Christmas in Germany

Dawn Doberstain, Ella Proll (RYE student) and Dan Nisler

Ella Pröll told how her family and the people in Germany celebrate Christmas. Houses and streets are decorated with lights. A wooden crib (manger) is placed in the living room. Four candles are set out representing each of the four Sundays before Christmas – The Adventzkranz. Children have calendars from December 1-24. People eat Bratapfel and tea during advent. Sankt Nikolaus comes on December 6. Children put out boots in front of the house the night before. There are Christmas markets in the streets where you can get everything you need for Christmas. Christmas is celebrated the evening of December 24. The whole family comes together at one house to sing Christmas songs around the tree, share presents, eat dinner and then go to church. Presents are brought by the Christmas Angel who comes in the house and puts gifts under the tree while everyone is out of the room.