It is the 24th, and in Germany, today is the main day of Christmas, where the children get their presents in the afternoon or evening (often after having been to church earlier). Many families sing some Christmas songs together before opening the presents. In the afternoon, Christmas cookies, lebkuchen and stollen are eaten, and in the evening, the whole family has a traditional meal together. The traditions here reach from simple potato salad and hot dogs, to fish or duck, to opulent meals; it really depends on the family.
(the work of one afternoon--my sister and I had fun)On the next two days (25th and 26th), both of which are bank holidays, many families visit with their grandparents and other relatives. (Yes, Christmas lasts for three days in Germany.)
Every year, thousands of people storm into the shops on the morning of Dec 24th, to get the last Christmas presents, buy a Christmas tree (if there are any left), get groceries.... Some good advice: If you don't need it, leave your car at home on the 24th, and only venture out if you really have to (until the shops close at around noon or one).
Merry Christmas to all of you! (And if you don't celebrate Christmas, I still wish you a really nice day, and maybe a different holiday....)
No comments:
Post a Comment