Advent and Other Customs

The Advent tradition is a religious celebration in preparation for the arrival (or "advent") of the Christ Child (das Christkind) on his "official" birthday, the 25th day of December. The Advent season and its celebration have changed over the years from a more serious, somber character (including giving up things, as for Lent) to one of a more joyous nature - including such treats as chocolate-filled Advent calendars. The four weeks leading up to Christmas Eve are a happy time -- at least for those not too caught up in the increasingly hectic and commercial aspects of this time of the year. Today in German Europe many families set up an Advent wreath, or Adventskranz on the first Advent Sunday (the fourth before Christmas) to start off the Advent season. A typical evergreen Advent wreath with its four candles, one for each week of Advent. Traditional families gather around the wreath on each Advent Sunday to light the next candle and sing Christmas carols. This was even more important in the past, when the Christmas tree was usually reserved for a special unveiling only on Christmas Eve. Until then, the Advent wreath provided the evergreen look and aroma in the house.

The Advent or Christmas calendar began as a plain card with paper backing. On the face were 24 windows, that when opened revealed various Christmas symbols and scenes. These windows or small doors were to be opened, one each day, over the 24 days leading up to Heiligabend or Christmas Eve. The largest window is still reserved for December 24th and usually offers a view of the Nativity. Today the most popular version of this calendar is the candy-filled variety. Instead of mere pictures, the windows open to reveal pieces of chocolate shaped to resemble stars, fir trees, and other Christmas symbols.

Of course, there are many other Germanic Christmas contributions. For instance, it is a real treat to wander through Germany's annual Christmas markets -- the most famous being Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt -- to see, taste, and smell all the Christmas goodies, from Lebkuchen to Stollen (fruit bread). Marzipan, made with almonds and sugar, is also a German treat. And the aroma of Glühwein ("glow wine") will warm you up even before you actually drink this German version of hot mulled wine.

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Came across this eye-opening, informative article [Keeping Secrets - Bush Administration is doing the Public's Business out of the Public Eye. Here's how and why.] by C.H. Schmitt & E.T. Pound in US News. Comment from US Appeals Court Judge Damon J. Keith "Democracies die behind closed doors". Check it out at this link:
http://www.usnews.com/usnews/issue/031222/usnews/22secrecy.htm