pre-Christmas season
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pre-Christmas season
The period of several weeks before Christmas, which usually begins with the first Sunday of Advent and is characterized by special customs, decorations, and a festive atmosphere.
In der Vorweihnachtszeit backen wir immer zusammen Plätzchen und besuchen den Weihnachtsmarkt.
During the pre-Christmas season, we always bake cookies together and visit the Christmas market.
The word is clearly composed of 'Vor-' (before), 'Weihnachten' (Christmas), and 'Zeit' (time/season). The 's' in the middle is a linking s that connects the parts. So the meaning is literally 'the time before Christmas.'
Die Vorweihnachtszeit ist oft sehr hektisch.
The pre-Christmas season is often very hectic.
The term is strongly culturally loaded in German-speaking countries. It is closely connected with traditions such as the Advent calendar, the Advent wreath, visiting Christmas markets, and baking cookies.
Für viele Kinder ist der Adventskalender das Wichtigste in der Vorweihnachtszeit.
For many children, the Advent calendar is the most important thing during the pre-Christmas season.
'Die Vorweihnachtszeit' (the pre-Christmas season) does not refer to just any time before the holiday, but specifically to the Advent season. It begins with the first Sunday of Advent, about four weeks before Christmas, and ends on Christmas Eve, December 24.
Sobald die Vorweihnachtszeit beginnt, werden die Städte festlich dekoriert.
As soon as the pre-Christmas season begins, the cities are decorated festively.
Advent
'Advent' and 'Vorweihnachtszeit' both describe the weeks before Christmas. 'Advent' is the more precise, traditionally Christian term for the four weeks before Christmas. 'Vorweihnachtszeit' sounds more general and more everyday. It often refers to the weeks with shopping, decorations, Christmas markets, and a festive atmosphere. When talking about church, Advent Sundays, or an Advent wreath, 'Advent' fits especially well. When talking generally about the time before Christmas, 'Vorweihnachtszeit' is very natural.
In der Vorweihnachtszeit sind die Geschäfte oft besonders voll.
During the pre-Christmas season, the shops are often especially crowded.
Am ersten Sonntag im Advent stellt Nina einen Kranz auf den Tisch.
On the first Sunday of Advent, Nina puts a wreath on the table.