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Christmas in Germany is a very traditional affair, a time of devotion and reflection that almost makes you feel like you were set back in time. Of course even Germany hasn't escaped commercialism completely but as a general rule it is centered less around gifts, gadgets and expensive decorations and more about family time, sharing and good will. Wooden figurines, home made ornaments and candles take precedence over glittering lights and plastic. Christmas carols are more modest in arrangement and center around praise of God and the Christ Child.

The season starts on the 4th Sunday before Christmas. On this day wreaths traditionally made out of pine twigs decorated with bows, bells or pine cones and four candles is placed on the table. Everybody in the household gathers around this festive wreath on that Sunday and while singing a song or listening to somebody read from the bible the first candle is lit. This ritual is repeated every following Sunday until all 4 candles are lit. It keeps the holiday spirit alive by bringing all together for a quiet reflective moment in these sometimes hectically times of holiday preparations. These four weeks are called Advent and traditionally are a time of fasting and reflection. One of the traditions of starting of Advent is baking of Christmas Stollen a very rich bread type baked treat filled with raisins and dried fruit. The Stollen is stored and isn't eaten until Christmas, this was originally done to use up perishables before the fasting season to keep them from spoiling and to lessen temptation. Though fasting is rarely seen anymore the baking of is still done all across the country.

During this time Christmas markets open. These are filled with booths offering everything from Christmas decorations, last minute gift ideas and food and drink. Gluehwein is a hot specialty meant to lift the spirits and warm the soul. For the children the merchants offer hot orange and apple juice, hot cocoa or Fanta. The air is filled with the scents of roasting chestnuts, herbs, spices and incense and the sounds of choirs singing the old favorite Carols. Christmas time without Christmas markets is unthinkable in Germany.

On December first the children receive an advent calendar, either the ones you can buy in the store that are made out of cardboard or a home made one made from any materials you can find such as little felt boots, matchboxes or small linen sacks. The important thing is that there are 24 doors or presents, one to be opened

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