By Sedqi Hamdan, KUNA
Berlin : Residents of German cities, towns and villages have been preparing for Christmas since the beginning of this month. The annual joyful occasion falls on December 24 and lasts for three days.
Preparations are reaching the climax. This is obvious everywhere, whether on the streets, at markets, houses and shops.
The most prominent manifestations of the preparations could be seen in Christmas markets that are held in neighborhoods, displaying ornamented materials, beverages and food for this special occasion.
Christmas tree is the major mark of Christmas, seen in every house during this occasion. The tree is decorated with various types of candles and cakes.
Housewives cook, for the occasion, ducks, geese or turkeys. Gifts are exchanged among families and friends, and parties are held at homes and offices of institutions and companies.
Small and big cities’ municipalities place Christmas tree at many public squares. One of the most attracting and ornamented Christmas tree is in Brandenburg. It is 40 meters in height, with decorations and lighting that cost up to one million euros.
“Santa claus” is also a main feature of the occasion. A member of a family or a friend dresses in red and wears a fake white beard, bringing joy to children with lost of gifts.
Experts say Germany consumes over 540 million kilowatt per hour of electric power for street lighting in this occasion.
Snowy weather coinciding with the occasion adds to the warmness and family orientation of Christmas.