Christmas Traditions
Around the World
Germany
In Germany, Santa is called Sinter Klass.
Children get presents from Christindl, the Christ Child.
The Christmas tree tradition comes from Germany.
German people like to decorate their homes
for Christmas. They put electric candles in their window. And
make Advent wreaths with 4 candles, on each of the four Sundays
before Christmas a candle is lit.
German people also like to display creches
or little wooden 'cribs' - a model of the stable where Jesus
was born, with Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus.
Christmas presents are packages of called "Christ-bundles"
and usually are in bundles of three. The first bundle was something
for a reward, the second for something usefull, and the third
was something for learning.
In the old days the reward bundle could contain candy, sugarplums,
cakes, apples, nuts, dolls and toys.
The useful bundle could be clothes, or hats or mittens or shoes.
The leaning bundle might have books, pens,
pencils and paints.
