Germany’s Feuerzangenbowle, Flaming Fire Tongs Punch, made with red wine, rum and sugar flambé, is not only a traditional Christmas and New Year’s drink but a favorite throughout the winter and holiday season.

Vanilla Crescents and Cinnamon Stars are two of the most popular Weihnachts plaetzen. The traditional 'Holiday Cookies', or Weihnachtskekse, which are a central and indispensable part of a Christmas in Germany.

Without St. Nicholas there would be no Santa Claus. His reputation as a secret benefactor and giver of gifts made him the inspiration for Sinterklaas, and with St. Nicholas Eve on December 5, and December 6 St. Nicholas Day, "Nikolaus" is still a magical time in many areas of Germany.

For generations on December 1 the Advent Calendar's first door is opened, and the countdown to Heiligabend, Christmas Eve begins. It is a much loved Weihnachtszeit, Christmastime, holiday tradition for the young and not so young in Germany.

Advent Wreaths don't decorate doors in Germany but sit on flat surfaces or hang from a height, and have four candles surrounded by evergreen foliage. One for each of Advent's four weeks. 'Die Adventskraenze', just one of many traditions that are a part of Christmas in Germany.

In German speaking countries no St. Martin's Day or St. Nicholas celebration would be complete without a traditional sweet yeast dough "Bread Man". A specialty for the days leading to the holidays known as Stutenkerl, Nikolaus or Weckmann depending on the region, here is its 'story' and a recipe.