Advent

Advent The German Christmas season officially begins four Sundays before Christmas, which is the beginning of the Adventszeit. During Advent people make all the preparations for Christmas; they bake, make decorations for their houses and trees, send cards to friends and relatives they will not be seeing at Christmas or make calls with their greetings. During this time, most German houses, churches and even schools and shopping centres display an Adventskranz. This is a horizontally placed wreath with four candles. Originally the wreath was made out of fir twigs and the candles were red. Nowadays both the wreath and the candles come in all colours, shapes and sizes. The wreaths are either placed on a table or hung by ribbons from the ceiling. The first candle is lit on the first Sunday after November 26th, then two on the next Sunday, then three the Sunday after, then finally all four are lit on Christmas Eve.

Also during Advent, children make or are given an **Adventskalender**. This special calendar has 24 small windows. The first door is opened on 1st December, the second on the 2nd and so on. The final door is opened on 24th December. Behind each door is a little surprise, such as pictures, sweets, chocolates or small gifts. There is a special treat behind the door opened on the 24th. Although most Adventskalender are square and flat, some interesting variations can be found. For example, 24 boxes can be tied to any shape. Each box is numbered and filled with a tiny present.