Today is the big day in Germany - The highlight of the holiday season is Holy Eve on December 24th. German Children usually don't get to see the illuminated Christmas tree until Holy Eve (parents secretly decorate the tree with ornaments and lights, often on the afternoon of the 24th). Presents are exchanged, and many people visit a Christmas mass. A traditional German Christmas dinner is "Weihnachtsgans", goose, often served with dumplings and red cabbage.
December 25th and 26th are both federal holidays; shops and offices are closed, and families concentrate on the more important things in life; visiting friends, relaxing, watching a Christmas movie, and eating hearty food.
I wish you all "Frohe Weihnachten" - merry Christmas!
Are you spending Christmas in Germany? Let us know how you are celebrating. Please leave a comment in the section below.
(Photo: Rothenburg Tourismus Service)