As winter settles over Germany, a quiet transformation begins. Streets glow with twinkling lights, the scent of cinnamon and mulled wine drifts through the air, and homes fill with warmth and ritual. This is Advent—a season that is far more than a countdown to Christmas. It’s a time steeped in history, rich with symbolism, and alive with traditions that bring families and communities together. What Advent Really Means The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus, meaning “arrival.” In Christian tradition, it marks the four weeks before Christmas—a period of preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ. Historically, Advent was solemn, a time of fasting and reflection. Today, while its…