Catholic Christmas Eve
Description:
On Christmas Eve, it is customary for Christian families in Germany to give each other gifts. This custom is called “Bescherung” – giving. It takes place in the flickering of Christmas candles that are lit before or after the Christmas service. Christmas songs are played, family members give each other gifts.
Children are told a fairy tale that the gifts were brought by Santa Claus or the baby Christ. Many families call Santa, who is most often played by a student dressed in a suit.
On the first and second day of Christmas, many go to church for a festive service or mass. December 25 and 26 are holidays.