On Christmas Eve, we had "Kartoffelsalat mit Würstchen", or "potato salad with sausages". The potato salad was made by mum and the frankfurters were shop-bought. We also had home-made Stollen, or German Christmas cake. And after the food in the early evening, we were allowed to open Christmas presents sent to us from our grandparents and aunt in Berlin.
On Christmas Day, we had breakfast and were then allowed to open presents given to us by anyone in Wales. Then we went to church, sang a few jolly carols and when we came back home, mum put the final touches to the turkey "with all the trimmings" after which we collapsed, stuffed to the gills, onto the sofa and watched TV until, at around 5.30 or 6.00 o'clock, we got up and ate a bit more turkey, this time cold and with salad.
Now, there's one thing I've never understood. I remember many years ago, before I found out that I had to avoid gluten, that I made a whole bunch of 'fairy cakes' (similar to muffins, but the British version) and handed them around in the walking group during a break. "What's the occasion?" they asked. When I told them that it was my birthday the next day, they looked shocked and muttered that they couldn't wish my happy birthday now as it was bad luck to do so.
If that is the case, why do German's celebrate Jesus Christ's supposed birthday on the day before? I just don't get it.
Christmas Day in Germany has always seemed rather flat to me. My walking group organises a walk on Christmas Day!! At a time when people should be tucking into a stupendously large Christmas meal with starters, main course, Christmas pudding with brandy butter, mince pies etc., etc., etc. No, for me, Christmas Day is the day of gluttony, or ripping wrapping paper of presents and flaking out on the sofa, completely stuffed watching a James Bond film and possibly the Queen's (now King's) speech. It's party day - it's Jesus Christ's birthday party day.
Why the Germans have their main festivities the day before, I just don't know.
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