Christmas in Germany
4 doctoral candidates share their experiences.
How do you experience the Christmas season in Germany and what do you think makes it unique?
This is what we asked four of our doctoral candidates, all of them from different countries. Read about their impressions below!
What makes the Christmas season unique in Germany is its Christmas markets!
There are so many all around the country, and even in Munich you can find several different ones: traditional, medieval, the ones where they put on music till late. I really enjoy them.
I really enjoy the atmosphere of the Christmas markets in Germany. For me, just walking around the market, looking at the pretty decorations, and smelling the fragrance of Glühwein is enough to enjoy the spirit of Christmas.
I also think the way people gather with friends and family on this special day here feels very harmonious and sweet.
I have been rather lucky in that almost every Christmas I have spent in Germany has been a white Christmas. Going out to enjoy the Christmas market with the snow in the background makes that first sip of mulled wine in (sometimes) freezing cold that much special.
What makes Christmas in Germany unique for me is the fact that all commercial activities really do wind down completely. It is a great signal for everyone to huddle up with their families.
I think what makes Christmas in Germany unique is that the time before Christmas is almost more important than Christmas itself.
With all the Christmas markets, the Adventskranz and overall Christmas decorations...we put probably more effort into the 24 days before Christmas than the actual Christmas celebrations.