Hi Folks! Happy Saturday!

I’ve put together this short list of articles about what makes a German Christmas: the traditions, the history and the unraveling of the many names of Saint Nick…

I Am Expat has this fascinating article on 8 Christmas traditions that have roots in Germany, with detailed historical explanations: https://www.iamexpat.de/lifestyle/lifestyle-news/8-christmas-traditions-you-didnt-realise-were-german

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The Culture Trip has this list of 15 Christmas traditions “only Germans will understand.” But we will have to forgo the Christmas Markets this year, sadly….

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December 6th is St. Nikolaus Day: Your children need to clean their boots or shoes the night before and leave them outside. St Nikolaus is meant to deliver a treat (a small toy or chocolate) and leave it in the shoe!

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Beware! This is also the day of Nikolaus “Companions” in which the creepy version also appears like the well-known Krampus or Austria, also known as the Aschenmann or Knecht Ruprecht and other names in Germany depending on the region: He will chase and scare and threaten to “whip” the bad children!

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The German Way has a very detailed explanation of who, indeed is Saint Nikolaus including his creepy companions: https://www.german-way.com/history-and-culture/holidays-and-celebrations/christmas/saint-nicholas/

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This article from Thought Co. tries to clarify all the different names there are in Germany for Santa Claus https://www.thoughtco.com/the-many-german-st-nicks-4071165

Please send us a message if you know of any other holiday traditions particular to Germany or if you have any links to cool articles to explain it all.