So Christmas isn't only about gifts, holiday roasts, gingerbread, and other sweets, which most people today associate with the holidays. The magnificent glow of lights, the freshly baked cookies, the tree ornaments, and the visits to the Christmas markets aren't everything. With Christmas we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and thus the arrival of God in the world. The short answer to the question of whom we have to thank for Christmas is therefore: Jesus.
Christmas: word origin and meaning
The word element 'Weih' derives from the Germanic word 'wiha,' which means roughly 'holy.' Thus Weihnachten translates as 'holy night,' in which Jesus Christ came into the world more than 2,000 years ago as the Messiah and Son of God. In this way, God descended among humanity in Bethlehem to reveal himself to them, to have mercy on them, and to give them love in the most varied ways. So it says in the Christmas story. For this reason, Christmas is also considered the season of love, as people still so nicely say today.
Who actually celebrates Christmas?
Christmas is celebrated primarily by Christians. However, other countries celebrate Christmas, too, where Christians don't make up the majority of the religious population - it's just a bit more commercial there, almost like Halloween or Valentine's Day. In many other countries, on the other hand, Christmas is a completely ordinary day. Christmas customs differ from country to country, from culture to culture. Where German families reflect on their time together and, depending on the intensity of their faith, go to church, the Japanese, above all the youth, tend to celebrate among friends and head to the karaoke bar. You can learn how Christmas is celebrated all over the world in our Christmas world, too!
This is how Christmas is celebrated
Officially, the Christmas season begins with the first Sunday of Advent. The first highlight of the Advent season is St. Nicholas Day on December 6. Then St. Nicholas comes to hand children small gifts - almost like a foretaste of Christmas. Strings of lights, tinsel, the Advent wreath, and the Christmas tree adorn the houses, Christmas music plays in the stores, and at the numerous Christmas markets there's mulled wine, gingerbread, and other sweets without end. Today Christmas is characterized by a shimmering glow of lights and plenty of consumer goods - the Christmas gifts under the tree are a must and definitely can't be missing, that much is clear. Christmas is traditionally celebrated with the family. On Christmas Eve and the two Christmas days on December 25 and 26, stately holiday roasts are on the table. The children impatiently look forward to the gift-giving on December 24 the most, of course, and it isn't only in Christian families that Christmas is celebrated this way today. By the way: technically, Christmas isn't until December 25; Christmas Eve stands on its own but of course also falls under the broader term of the Christmas season. Alongside the classic customs like the Christmas tree, the nativity scene beneath it, the Advent calendar on the wall, and the gifts, every family surely has its own tradition, too - even if it's just watching a TV classic together year after year. In traditional families, Christmas songs are sung and Christmas poems recited by the children before the gifts are given. The highlight for the very young children on Christmas Eve is, of course, the visit from Santa Claus or the Christkind - whichever it may be.
Christmas: the season of love and contemplation
Following the example of Jesus Christ, compassion, solidarity, and gratitude are just a few of the values on which Christmas is built. It's more about giving than about being given to, as Jesus already saw it. That's why many charitable organizations, like animal welfare and human rights organizations, count on people's openness and willingness to donate during the Christmas season. That's why nonprofit institutions also collect the most money during Advent and shortly before Christmas. Of course, it isn't only about the money itself but about the willingness to help others, and that can be done in many ways - not only with money and material consumer goods. Many people volunteer at nonprofit institutions during the Christmas season to support others and spend time with those who want company - in hospitals, nursing homes, or animal shelters. Because many people spend Christmas alone.
Celebrate Christmas with Lebkuchen-Schmidt
What better way to get into a contemplative Christmas mood than tasty Christmas baked goods and moist Nuremberg Elisen gingerbread? We've accompanied Christmas celebrations around the world for decades, almost a whole century even, and with our gingerbread chests we ensure not only a flavorful but also a nicely decorated celebration. Why not take a look in our shop right away!
