Enter Weihnachtsmann

Different ways of celebrating Christmas in Germany

Note: This was originally written for the blog version of Alte Frau, New Life just after our first Christmas here. Somehow, it was left out when I imported everything to Substack. I’m republishing it again as I set up our Christmas tree and decorations this year, later than almost everyone I know back in the States yet earlier than most of my neighbors. And that’s just the beginning when it comes to the differences between celebrating Christmas in America and in Deutschland. So I’ve edited my original article and updated some information.

Ho, ho, ho, or no, no, no?

First things, first: Yes, Virginia, there is a German Santa Claus.

Sort of.

When I started writing this, I had a long explanation about how, in Germany, children's gifts are brought by St. Nicholas on December 6, and no one knows anything about a Santa Claus and his eight flying reindeer.

Here, you’re more likely to find St. Nicholas depicted wearing vestments like a priest and traveling by horseback.

Then, on Monday, I was sho…