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European Christmas - Germany

Christmas is something that is celebrated in most parts of the Western world and even where it is not, there are usually similar or equivalent celebrations that take its place. A European Christmas however is not necessarily the same as Christmas in other parts of the world and depending on the country and the region you may experience slightly different traditions and practices. As such there is no universal European Christmas, but many different Christmases which help to add a local spin on well known traditions and which anyone can enjoy and appreciate; and this helps to highlight both the similarities and differences between these unique cultures. Here are a few examples of a European Christmas in different countries and how they differ:

Germany: In Germany the European Christmas is celebrated on Christmas Eve – the 24^th – or at least that is when the presents are exchanged. In a German European Christmas Father Christmas is supposed to bring not only the presents, but the tree as well (making this particular European Christmas more hard work on the parents). Normally the child will be distracted or taken out of the main room by one parent while the other will erect the tree, decorate it, and spread the presents beneath it. After this, the child will be escorted (normally blindfolded) into the main room to witness their European Christmas having seemingly magically appeared.

In Germany other European Christmas traditions include eating lebkuchen (‘love cakes’) made from chocolate and ginger, and celebrated ‘advent’ each Sunday before Christmas by lighting candles in a wreath. European Christmas in Germany is a big deal and they also have a lot of carols.

France: In France, the precise way that their European Christmas is enjoyed is slightly different depending on the region. While most French people will celebrate Christmas on the 25^th, in the North the European Christmas begins on the 6^th also known as ‘la fete de Saint Nicolas’ or ‘Epiphany’, and in some some provinces this day is considered almost as important. In Lyon another even is la Fete de Lumieres in which Lyonnais celebrate the virgin Mary by placing candles in their windows to light up the city outside. Another French European Christmas tradition is for children to place their shoes in front of the fireplace hoping for them to be filled with gifts.

Poland: In Poland European Christmas eve is again the time for the main celebration. Here the day is first one of fasting followed by a large meal which can only be eaten after the first star appears in the night sky (exceptions are made for particularly overcast nights). Here there are many more traditions for this European Christmas which dictate for example that an even number of people must sit around the table. Again in Poland the 6^th of December has particular importance, marking ‘St Nicolas Day’ which is when children receive their presents.

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European Christmas

The European Christmas season is a remarkable occasion. It is the time, when people enjoy with family and friends, therefore all efforts are made to make the festival as memorable as possible. Christmas is also the time to welcome guests in Europe. European Christmas is famous all over the world for its splendor. For that reason, no stone is left unturned. Several preparations begin right in the month of November to offer world class hospitality.

After all European Christmas is known for its generosity and warmth. When we talk about European Christmas, our mind just can not neglect the mythologies associated with the festivity. These beliefs vary from region to region. Christmas in Italy is known for so many stories. It is said that people in Italy, do not exchange presents during the Christmas season. Many people still prefer to eat meatless dinners on Christmas Eve for the reason that Christmas Eve is considered to be a sacred occasion. Meat is allowed on the Christmas day. In contemporary Italy people have fish based dinners on Christmas Eve as well.

European Christmas is considered to be a “consecrated event”. Christmas is generally celebrated starting with Christmas Eve and ending with New Years Day. But the preparations begin prior to Christmas Eve. The commencement of the event is marked by a feast organized on the 8th of December. This event is known as the Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception. Thereafter you will notice the place all lit up, decked out and adorned by Christmas trees. Tornio in Italy is marked for its grand lighting demonstration.

European Christmas is incomplete without talking about German Christmas. Most European Christmas celebrations tend to take the ancient customs for granted, Germany is different in this sense. Germany follows a two day Christmas Celebration. In fact, the Christmas calendar, that we follow, was developed by Germany. The Christmas tree in Germany is known as Tannenbaum. European Christmas has a world wide glory. Did you know that the world famous Christmas song “Silent Night” has actually cropped up from Austria, Europe?

European Christmas can’t be mentioned without writing about the fun London festivities. Christmas is the best time to visit London, U.K. The city would never appear so attractive and stunning to your eyes! If you are a food lover, then Spain is the place for you to visit during the Christmas season.

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