German Christmas Decorations

In Germany, preparations for Christmas start a lot earlier than the month of December. The real celebration of Christmas, however, starts from 6th December on St. Nicholas Day. This day is known in Germany as "Nikolaustag". On St. Nicholas Eve (night of 5th December) children put their shoe outside the door in hope of getting gifts. This is a tradition practiced in several other European countries.

According to a German legend, the spirit of St. Nicholas, patron saint of children, visits many homes on this night carrying a book of sins. This book has all the information about all the actions of all children throughout the year. It is believed that St. Nicholas fills the shoes of all good kids with nice treats while twigs are put in the shoes of all the naughty children.

During Advent, advent wreaths, made of Holly flowers, are placed on the table. 4 red candles are then placed in the center of it. On every Sunday preceding Christmas, one out of these 4 red candles is lit and the last one is lighted on Christmas Eve.

If you wish to incorporate German Christmas décor into your house during the holidays, you will find several pieces are essential for decorating with a Germanic touch. Following are some tips to help you out with German Christmas decorations:

Nutcrackers

The Nutcracker ballet is well known, but few know the history behind this piece. The current wooden solider design was developed in 1800 near the Sonneber and Erzebirge regions of Germany. In 1872, Wilhelm Fuchtner, considered as the "father of the nutcracker", created the first commercial nutcracker. Today, many are still produced in Germany.

Rauchermen

Rauchermen are created similar to wooden nutcrackers, but for a different reason. They are also known as German Smokers. Instead of cracking nuts, these men burn incense. They often resemble common folk and in fact are not soldiers or kings.

The Rauchermen were developed after the end of 30 year religious war in Germany in 1648. They were named "Rauchermen," according to Magic of Nutcrackers, owing to certain superstitions. People were made to believe in the evil spirits of the Raunaechte, who came out on the longest nights in the year and could be driven away with the noise and light. As a blessing upon the home, incense would be burned after spirits had left.

Christmas Pyramids

Christmas pyramids are one, two, three, and sometimes even more stories high. These are made typically out of wood. They are powered by heat from candles that makes the fans turn, in turn powering the pyramid.

The inspiration for these pyramids dates back to how 15th century mines were powered. These pyramids were most popular throughout Germany during the 18th and 19th centuries. The pyramids were manufactured and commercially sold in the early 20th century.

German Tree Ornaments

The Christmas tree is an important aspect of the German history. For that reason, no home is completely decorated for a German Christmas without one. The German tree is embellished with traditional tinsel, lights, candies, and other ornaments.