9. Christmas Eve *Highlight of a German Christmas *The tree is decorated with straw stars, foil and glass decorations, apples, gilded nuts, ring biscuits, Lebkuchen (similar to gingerbread), chocolate or marzipan decorations, wooden angels, pine cones, tinsel, and wax candles or electric lights. *Presents are placed either under the tree, with the crib if there is one, or else on the "present table" (der Gabentisch). *When everything is prepared, normally just after dark, a little bell is rung as a signal that the children may come in to see the lighted tree and receive their presents (die Bescherung). *Before the exchange of gifts takes place, the Christmas story is often read by the light of the candles and favorite Christmas carols are sung. *Since the Middle Ages carp has been a traditional food for the evening meal on Christmas Eve. However, all kinds of food are eaten nowadays on Christmas Eve evening. Depending on whether the family is Roman Catholic or Protestant they will probably go to church at midnight or in the late afternoon. The rest of the evening is enjoyed as a family get-together, with the children playing with new toys, and all partaking of the Christmas goodies.
10. Christmas Day December 25th is known as the "First Day of Christmas" (der erste Weihnachtstag) and, in comparison with the 24th of December, is a quiet day, often spent either visiting relatives or else being visited by them. Goose is still widely eaten for the main meal. December 26th, the "Second Day of Christmas“ (der zweite Weihnachtstag) also known as St. Stephen’s Day, has much the same function as the day before, being another public holiday and a day of family reunions or outings.
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