In Germany, Advent shapes the rhythm of December. Many homes have an Advent wreath with four candles, lighting one more candle on each Sunday before Christmas. Children open little doors on Advent calendars to count down the days.
Christmas markets fill town squares with wooden stalls, lights, handmade gifts and seasonal food. Visitors might enjoy gingerbread, roasted nuts or a warm drink while looking at the decorations. Markets vary widely from small neighborhood gatherings to famous historic events.
December 6 is St. Nicholas Day. In many families, children clean a boot or shoe and leave it outside the door the night before. In the morning they may find sweets, fruit or small gifts inside.
On Christmas Eve, families gather around the tree and exchange presents. Gift-bringing traditions differ by region and household: some speak of the Christkind, others of the Weihnachtsmann. That variety is part of the story of German Christmas.
