Why Are German Christmas Incense Smokers So Unique?

Das Räuchermännchen, in English called German Incense Smoker Man, Christmas Smoker, or even Smoker Gnome. Whatever name you prefer, one thing is for sure: These cute looking gnomes grow on you once you’ve seen them in action.

Here are 5 crazy facts you should know: Get them here

The Truth about the German Christmas Pickle Tradition

Germans take credit for a lot of popular Christmas traditions and decorations. Whether it’s the Christmas tree, nutcrackers, incense smoker men or the Advent calendars – they all originated in Germany.

But NOT so the famous Christmas pickle!

Even though finding a pickle in the decorated Christmas tree may be an enjoyable tradition, it doesn’t come from Germany. In fact, I was surprised to hear about this silly custom when I had just moved to the US. As most other Germans, I had never even heard about such custom.

Here’s what the legend says: click for details

German Christmas Pickle Ornament

German Christmas Advent Calendars - Why So Special?

Another typical German thing – the Christmas Advent Calendar!

The famous protestant reformer Martin Luther is initially to ‘blame’ for it. He made out of the strictly biblical holiday, a family-oriented Christmas. Therefore initially the ‘Advent calendar’ was just used as a counting aid for kids. This way, they could count down the 24 days from the 1st day of Advent until Christmas. It still didn’t look like the Advent Christmas calendar as we know it today. Mostly families ...read full post