Heiligabend
Heiligabend is 24th December, known in English as Christmas Eve.
On this day most businesses and shops close around lunchtime and people start to prepare for the evening.
Many families still decorate their Christmas trees in the afternoon. Traditionally the children are not allowed in the room when this happens. Then the Christkind comes before the children return and brings the Christmas presents.
The main Christmas meal is eaten later in the evening with many families going to Church beforehand.
To hear a simple explanation and a short discussion in German, listen to the podcast:
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
(Press the “play” button to listen to the podcast)
Download the MP3 file | Subscribe to the podcast
Comment in the forum
Tags: Christmas
