1) The passage describes Christmas time in Germany, when people go shopping, attend church, and celebrate with their families.
2) Mothers work hard cooking Christmas meals like Yuletide cakes while grandparents say they will be "killed" by eating until New Year's.
3) On Christmas Eve, children come to see the candles burning while Bing Crosby sings Christmas songs and church bells ring, reminding everyone that this only happens in December during the Christmas season.