Heiliger+Abend

Heiliger Abend Heiliger Abend, Christmas Eve, is the most important day of the Christmas season. The day is spent preparing Christmas dinner or making sure the house is looking its best. In late afternoon everyone dresses in good clothes. Many families go to church in the early evening or at midnight. After coming home from church the family fathers around the tree, opens presents and sings carols, such as //Stille Nacht//. Imagine how beautiful the Christmas tree would look standing in a darkened, cosily warm room on a winter’s night, the snow outside reflecting the lights.... The main Christmas meal is eaten during this evening. There is no one set traditional food served for Christmas dinner, although in most families a lot of effort is made to make the mal really special. Goose, turkey or game e.g. deer) are often favourites. Dessert is also varied. Also, you often see a **bunter Teller**, a festive plate, during Christmas. This includes a selection of Christmas delicacies such as Plätzchen (home- made biscuits), Lebkuchen (gingerbread), chocolates and other goodies. Christmas Day is a quiet day spent with family or visiting friends or relatives.