What do German kids call Santa?

Santa Claus - Der Weihnachtsmann The term Weihnachtsmann is a very generic German term for Father Christmas, St. Nicholas, or Santa Claus. The German Weihnachtsmann is a fairly recent Christmas tradition having little if any religious or folkloric background.

What do Germans have instead of Santa?

In the more Catholic regions—primarily South Germany and Switzerland—the gift bearer role belongs to the Christkind, while those in North Germany commonly consider it to be the Weihnachtsmann (Saint Nicholas or Santa Claus) who is exiting.

What do German kids do for Santa?

Typically, a Christmas stocking is an empty sock, a sock-shaped bag or more modern stockings which children will leave outside their door for Saint Nicholas to fill. From small toys to oranges and chocolate coins, it's a lovely surprise for children to enjoy at the beginning of December.

What is Krampus in German?

Krampus, in central European popular legend, a half-goat, half-demon monster that punishes misbehaving children at Christmastime. He is the devilish companion of St. Nicholas. Krampus is believed to have originated in Germany, and his name derives from the German word Krampen, which means “claw.”

What do Germans call Christmas?

25th and 26th of December

Germans call them “Erster Weihnachtsfeiertag,” which means the first Christmas holiday, and “zweiter Weihnachtsfeiertag,” which means the second Christmas holiday.

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What do Germans say instead of Merry Christmas?

In German, the phrase "Frohe Weihnachten!" which translates to "Merry Christmas” is commonly used. If you prefer a more neutral expression, say "Frohes Fest!" ("Happy Celebration!") or "Schöne Feiertage!" ("Beautiful Holidays!").

How do kids celebrate Christmas in Germany?

Children set out their boots or their stockings the night before. If they have been very good, St. Nicolas brings them little presents or chocolate. Depending on the region in Germany some regions have the tradition of the Christkind, which means Christ child, a representation of Jesus as a child.

Do Germans still believe in Krampus?

In the 21st century, many Alpine countries continue to celebrate the Krampusnacht with parades, where the townsmen dress like devils and run through the streets chasing after children and naughty parents alike.

Is Krampus good or bad?

In essence, Krampus is the bad cop to Santa's good cop, Collins said. Krampus would often target children who behaved badly, hitting them with a tree branch known as a "switch," or even kidnapping them in a basket.

What is Krampus real name?

Through most of Germany, St. Nicholas is assisted by a character named Knecht Ruprecht, in Switzerland by Schmutzli, in France and Luxembourg by Père Fouettard, in the Netherlands by Zwarte Piet, and in Slovenia by Parkelj. In Southern Germany and Austria, St. Nicholas' counterpart is Krampus.

How do Germans celebrate Santa?

In Hamburg and throughout Germany, children leave their shoes near the fireplace or front door on the night of 5 December. The next morning, they should find that their footwear has been filled overnight with small presents and treats by Nikolaus.

What happens to bad kids for Christmas in Germany?

In Germany, naughty little boys and girls have more to fear around Christmastime than just a stocking full of coal. According to popular lore, the Krampus, a demon-like beast, snatches up the worst behaved children, stuffs them into a bag or basket and then carries them off to his mountain lair.

What does Krampus do to adults?

Apparently created to strike terror in the hearts and minds of small children — and quite a few adults, too — Krampus traditionally carries a ruten bundle, or birch rod, to whip those who have misbehaved and chains to bind those who have strayed from the straight and narrow.

Why do Germans leave a shoe for Santa?

Families would leave their shoes by the fire so they could dry from being out in the snow. This then grew into the tradition of putting out stockings and shoes on the night of December 5^th. Subsequently, if the children have been good, St. Nicholas leaves gifts in their shoes or stockings.

Is Krampus Santa's Brother?

In the weeks leading up to Christmas each year, parades are held throughout many of Austria's alpine villages in honor of Krampus, a demonic creature said to be the "evil twin" of St. Nicholas.

Why was Krampus banned?

Banned by the Nazis

Anyone caught dressing up as a Krampus faced the death penalty because it was perceived as a devil figure.” Interestingly, the Nazis also banned Krampus for its pagan origins. More recently, concerns have been expressed in Austria about whether the tradition is appropriate for children.

Where is Krampus banned?

In the aftermath of the 1932 election in Austria, the Krampus tradition was prohibited by the Dollfuss regime under the clerical fascist Fatherland Front (Vaterländische Front) and the Christian Social Party.

What does Krampus do to kids?

While St. Nicholas rewards nice children by leaving presents, Krampus beats those who are naughty with branches and sticks. In some cases, he is said to eat them or take them to hell. On December 6, St.

Does Krampus lick kids?

The Krampus is seen on antique Christmas cards whipping children, licking them with a spiked tongue, or leading a chain gang of sorrowful naughty children. It's disturbing, but has evolved from a long tradition of dark fairy tales.

Does Krampus hit kids?

Nicholas rewards nice children by leaving presents, Krampus beats those who are naughty with branches and sticks. In some cases, he is said to eat them or take them to hell. On December 6, St. Nicholas Day, children awaken to find their gifts or nurse their injuries.

Is Krampus nice to good kids?

If they've been good, he'll reward them with presents and treats. But if they've been bad, they'll get a lot more than a lump of coal—they'll have to face Krampus. Who's Krampus, you ask? He's the half-man, half-goat who comes around every year to chase naughty children and maybe even drag them to hell.

What do Germans do on Christmas Eve?

Christmas Eve (Heiliger Abend) is a jam-packed day of celebrations for Germans. Traditionally, many households will spend the day decorating the tree, preparing food for the family and sprucing up the home. As soon as the night draws in, households will gather around the tree.

What is the German Christmas monster?

The legend of the Krampus dates back centuries, originating as a German Christmas tradition during the 12th century. Beginning in early December, the children of Germany would begin to hear whispers of a dark haired creature bearing horns and fangs, carrying a bundle of birch sticks used to swat naughty children.

What do Germans put on a Christmas tree?

At first the tree was decorated only with apples, nuts and sweets; wax candles were added later. Many German families still decorate their tree in the "altdeutsche Tradition," or the old German way, with real candles and wood and straw ornaments. The tree stays up usually until after New Year's or even until Jan.