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:

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Nußknacker are a decorative form of nut crackers. Although they are usually able to crack nuts using their mouths, they are normally used as Christmas ornaments.  They have the form of a person, such as a soldier in uniform.

Originating from the area around the Ore mountains they can have around 60 moving parts!

The figures inspired the Nutcracker Suite by Tchaikovsky.

To hear a simple explanation and a short discussion in German, listen to the podcast:

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Glühwein is wine that has been spiced and heated up – although not boiled! It is drunk in winter during advent and as such is strongly associated with Christmas in Germany.

The main spices used are cinnamon, cloves, lemon and aniseed and both red and white wine can be used, although red wine is more common at the markets. It is also available ready-to-drink in bottles and cartons at supermarkets.

In English it is known as mulled wine.

To hear a simple explanation and a short discussion in German, listen to the podcast:

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Throughout December we will be publishing two German Words Explained podcasts each week. The extra podcasts will appear on the 7th, 14th, 21st, 24th and 31st.

Lebkuchen is a type of cake associated with Christmas. It is baked using honey and a number of spices and is known throughout Germany by a variety of names such as Pfefferkuchen and Magenbrot.

There are filled and unfilled versions, some covered in chocolate. It tastes similar to gingerbread.

To hear a simple explanation and a short discussion in German, listen to the podcast:

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