German christmas customs and traditions

Christmas is just around the corner and the festivities include a number of traditions and customs. Here in Australia, for example, Pavlova is a must for many families, as well as a cooling dip in the sea or the BBQ on Christmas Day. In Germany, Austria and Switzerland, there are a whole host of well-known and lesser-known traditions at Christmas time. SBS reporter Benjamin Kanthak presents some of them.

Woodcarving has a centuries-long tradition in the Ore Mountains region in Saxony. Smoking men are an integral part of Christmas decorations far beyond the borders of the federal state and have their origins as lucky charms for miners. Credit: ullstein bild via Getty Images