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 the pre-Christmas season both refer to the weeks before Christmas. Advent more specifically means the Christian four-week period, while the pre-Christmas season also includes decorations, shopping, and other secular preparations. Use „Advent“ for religious customs; otherwise, „Vorweihnachtszeit“ is often the better choice.
In der Vorweihnachtszeit schmückt die Stadt ihre Straßen und die Menschen kaufen Geschenke.
During the pre-Christmas season, the city decorates its streets and people buy gifts.
Im Advent zünden wir jeden Sonntag eine weitere Kerze am Adventskranz an.
During Advent, we light one more candle on the Advent wreath every Sunday.
