Easter
In the days before Easter Sunday, German
people, probably like any other nation in the world, dye their
Easter eggs in different colors or paint funny pictures on them.
Then, on Easter Sunday, children wake up very early to go on an
Easter egg hunt. The Easter Bunny has hidden little chocolate
and toy eggs all over the house and now it's up to the children
to find them. Afterwards, for breakfast, the whole family usually
eats the eggs they dyed and painted themselves.
Christmas
Like in the US, in Germany people put a
Christmas tree into their living room. A day or two before Christmas
Eve the whole family gathers together and decorates it. Most German
families prefer to hang self-made ornaments rather than store-bought
ones on it. Unlike in the US, in Germany, Santa Claus comes in
the early evening of Christmas Eve and leaves his presents under
the tree. The family gathers around the tree and before the presents
are unpacked, the children might sing songs or recite a poem.
This is followed by a huge dinner, which is mostly a meal that
includes turkey or duck.
Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest is a traditional festival that Germans have every year. The celebration began in October, 1810 when prince Ludwig and princess Therese were married. They invited the whole town of Munich to a party. Every year after, people have celebrated the occasion with Oktoberfest. People dress in their traditional clothing, listen to music, dance and drink.
Holidays
· 1 January -- New Year's Day
· 3 October -- Day of German Unity
· 31 October -- Reformation Day
· 1 November -- All Saints Day
· 1 December -- Independence Day
· 8 December -- Immaculate Conception
· 25-26 December -- Christmas