German Christmas Decorations

Popular German Holiday Pieces

If you want to incorporate some German Christmas décor into your home during the holidays, or want to add a piece from Germany to a holidays around the world decorating theme, you will find several pieces are essential to decorating with a Germanic touch.

Nutcrackers

While most people have heard of the famous Nutcracker ballet, few know the history behind the piece. The Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum reports that the current wooden solider design was developed around 1800 near the Sonneber and Erzebirge regions of Germany. In 1872, Wilhelm Fuchtner, considered the “father of the nutcracker”, created the first commercial nutcracker and today, many are still produced in Germany.

Rauchermen

Rachermen, or German Smokers, are made similar to wooden nutcrackers, but for a different purpose. Instead of cracking nuts, these men are used to burn incense. They are often found to resemble common folk or represent occupations and are not soldiers or kings.

They were developed after the end of the 30 year religious war in Germany in 1648. They were named “Rauchermen,” according to Magic of Nutcrackers, because of superstitions that led people to believe evil spirits of the Raunaechte, who came out on the longest nights of the year, can be driven away with noise and light. After spirits had gone, incense would be burned for a blessing upon the home.

Christmas Pyramids

Christmas pyramids are one, two, three, and even more stories high. Made mostly out of wood, they are powered by heat from candles that makes fans turn, which in turn powers the pyramid.

While the inspiration for the pyramids may date back to how 15th century mines were powered, they were most popular throughout Germany in the 18th and 19th centuries, according to The German Christmas Shop. Once a family heritage item brought out at Christmas, the pyramids were manufactured and sold commercially in the early 20th century.

M.I. Hummel Figurines

The popular German Hummel figurines are not put away during the Christmas season. Instead, the company has developed a Christmas line, including elements like nativity scenes, Christmas trees, angels, Christmas scenes, bells, and more.

German Tree Ornaments

The Christmas tree has deep roots in German history. Therefore, no home is completely decorated for a German Christmas without one. Deck out your German tree in traditional tinsel, lights, candies, and more.

Step up the decorations and purchase vintage Christmas ornaments, such as glass, from an antiques dealer or online. You may also want to add a straw star to set atop your holiday tree. The German Christmas Museum offers other historical ideas for decorating, including handmade paper flowers or gingerbread ornaments.

Buying German Christmas Decorations

Figuring out where to buy authentic German holiday decorations can be difficult for those who are not able to visit the country or have someone ship them items. Fortunately, the Internet makes it easy to collect German Christmas items with the number of online retailers that are available. Here are just a few to visit:

• The Wooden Wagon: Boasting Christmas decorations from Erzgelbrige, you can buy candle arches, smoking men, nativity scenes, ornaments, angels, pyramids and more here.
• ChristKindl-Markt: The German Christmas Market: Buy pyramids, candles, advent calendars, nutcrackers, and more at this shop. Check out their articles on traditions, decorating, and entertaining while as you shop.
• The Christmas Sleigh: Pick up Christian Ulbricht ornaments, glass ornaments, Schweizer pewter ornaments, or Neurnberger wax angels at this German holiday store.
• Decoration Point: Featuring Christmas pyramids, smokers, nutcrackers, and paper mache candy containers.

Add in Other German Holiday Elements

To add to your German Christmas celebration, consider making traditional dishes for your holiday dinner. Visit In Mama’s Kitchen to see the suggested Christmas dinner menu or check out the recipes at Recipezaar. You can also use the search feature to find German recipes at LoveToKnow Recipes.

Also try learning a bit of the German language and learn the song lyrics to "O Christmas Tree" in German, also known as "O Tannenbaum".

No matter what decorating elements you choose to incorporate into your home, German Christmas decorations can be lovely additions to any décor scheme. Add a few German dishes and sing some carols in German and it will feel like you are holidaying in the country itself this year.