Christmas Shopping in Germany

This is one of my advice blogs....for those who might have questions on Christmas shopping in Germany.  Call it ten things you ought to know.

First, big and medium-sized towns in Germany have Christmas markets.  Typically, there's fine on-the-street food and beverage to take advantage of, and hand-made gifts to buy around these markets.  You can figure an entire afternoon to waste on a big Christmas market, like Frankfurt, Wiesbaden or Stuttgart.

Second, there is no Sunday shopping in Germany.  This is something that the public probably would just jump into and really get peppy about but German employees who work for these stores really don't want the hassle involved and lose that precious Sunday.

Third, traffic is frankly....a big hassle.  My advice is to use public transportation whenever possible or just park and leave the car for the rest of the day at one location.  Even in a medium-sized town....it's a pain to move around, especially after 4PM.

Fourth, for these electronic shops on the edge of towns with 200-car parking lots....get to the site by 8AM or just forget about it.  From the first of December through the end of December....it's one brief window at the beginning of the day or just forget about it.

Fifth, these Stollen-breads that you see at the bakery....are dry as a bone.  So you have to have coffee with it, and plenty of coffee.  By early January, the Stollen period is finished....thankfully.

Sixth, Germans have yet to really get into on-line buying for the holidays....so they still pursue the excitement of holiday shopping in person.  That means crowds.

Seventh, if you have a good postman or cleaning lady or the plumber or the electrican....it's customary to give a bottle of wine (not the cheap stuff, please).

Eighth, don't expect any help at stores during this period.  For every customer hoping for some advice....there's forty more Germans lined up and hoping the same.  Do your research before arriving at the store.

Ninth, if you can shop on Monday through Friday....do it.  If you can skip Saturday shopping....please do it.  By noon on a Saturday in the midst of any shopping district....you've hit maximum density and suffering.

Tenth, when you've hit your peak and really need a moment of relaxation from shopping....sip a cup of gluhwine.  It's a warm sugared-over wine which will warm you up.  Typically....you don't want more than one an hour.  If you sip four cups in 90 minutes....you probably are drunk and best not have a charge card on you to buy stupid gifts.