 Historically this was a religious tradition in Germany  It helps towards the countdown of Christmas, starting at four weeks prior to the big day  The Advent season has changed from a more serious, somber character into one that is much more joyous

 Many families in Germany and German speaking countries set up an Adventkranz (Advent wreath) on the first Sunday of Advent  When was the first day of Advent in 2015  (November 29 th )  Each Sunday before Christmas, another candle on the wreath is lite and it helps countdown until Christmas  Sometimes families sing Christmas carols

 The advent wreath use to very important during the Christmas time  In history, the Christmas tree wasn’t put up until Christmas Eve and the advent wreath was the only evergreen look in the house  Times have changed and now people will have this wreath and the tree up at the same time.

 One tradition that is very popular today in Germany and around the world  The calendar use to have little doors and windows in it frame that people would open each day before Christmas  Each new picture would show a scene of the Christmas season, like a tree or snowman  Do you think this tradition has changed since it first start?

 This is one tradition that has changed a lot since it first started!  Many advent calendars today have a small piece of chocolate or trinket behind the door for that day  We also see advent calendars in many places, both in the USA and Germany  What is on example of an advent calendar we see in German class?

 What did you noticed about the advent calendars we see today?  Are advent calendars used for the original purpose or for something else?

 When does you tree traditionally go up in your house?  In Germany the tree use to go up the day before Christmas and was hid from the children until it was decorated  Well this is a very old tradition that dates back to Germany.  It was thought that the first Christmas tree went up around 1550, since many songs talked about Tannenbaums  Several royal Germans are credited with helping extend these traditions to other countries beyond Germany

 The Duchess of Orleans (From Mecklenberg) brought it to Paris  Other German royals brought the tree to England and other European countries  But it was emigrants from Germany that brought the Weihnachtsbaum to America

 Real wax candles were used to light the trees in people homes  They use special candle holders and are taught to be careful and not walk out of the room if the tree it lite  Many Germans today use electric candles for tree decorating or even ornaments that they hang on the tree  Some people have even been known to put fruit and cookies on the tree for guests to pick off and eat

 Read the article on this page and see if you can figure out the mistake behind this tradition? (Hint, they look for the pickle on Christmas Day)  First, Saint Nikolaus comes on Dec. 6 th not Christmas  Second, no German has ever heard of this tradition!  So this is all a myth!

 Do any of these traditions sound like the ones that you celebrate in your house?  Would you consider celebrating any of these traditions?