This year you can include in your traditional Christmas celebrations something new. It will make your holiday funnier and more interesting. In the German traditional celebrations there are many interesting thins which you can try at home.

In Germany on December 21st, which is the shortest day of the year is celebrated the day of St. Thomas. On this day the member of the family who gets up last in the morning is called the Thomas Donkey. Through out the day the rest of the family can joke and ask the Donkey to do many and not so favorite tasks to do. At the end of the day the family usually has iced current buns and the abuses over the Thomas Donkey ends. This is really funny for most of the kids, because usually the Donkey is one of their parents or bigger brothers and sisters, who love sleeping till lunch. 

Popular German tradition around the world is the Christmas tree presentation. In this country the tradition says that it is not allowed the family members to see the decorated tree before Christmas Eve. On this day the father usually plays with the children in other room, while the mother decorates the tree with fruits, hand made ornaments, cookies and candies, lights, angels and other traditional Christmas ornaments. Then is the time when she places and the gifts under the tree.

On the table the mother places decorative plates with fruits, nuts, chocolates and cookies. When the kids hear the ringing bell, they can come in the room and the celebrations can begin. Then the father reads popular Christmas stories and the family sings Christmas carols. At the end of the evening the kids can open their gifts.

Also in Germany is believed that if you do not eat enough and good food, the bad demons will be around you. So always prepare the best food that you can and have a wonderful time together on Christmas.