How do Germans spend the festive season? Between family and loneliness

Result

The majority of Germans spend Christmas with their families. Two in five celebrate traditionally with their nuclear family, one in four visit their family and around one in eight invite a larger group of people to a party. Eight per cent use the holidays for a trip, while seven per cent spend Christmas Eve alone or do not celebrate at all.

One in three people spend New Year's Eve in a small circle at home. One in five attends a private party, while twelve per cent do not celebrate the New Year. Ten per cent spend the evening alone, while six per cent travel within Germany or abroad. Organised events and celebrating outdoors each attract five per cent.

Reasons

For many people, Christmas is a family celebration in which rituals and traditions play a central role. Eating together, the decorated Christmas tree and presents are just as much a part of it as time for conversation and contemplation. Accordingly, most people use the festive season to reconnect with their loved ones and strengthen family ties. The desire for peace and security characterises the decisions of many people. At the same time, there is a growing group that wants to escape the stress of Christmas and consciously decides to take a trip to give the holidays a different character.

The way people spend New Year's Eve depends on individual preferences, social needs and practical considerations. Many opt for a quiet evening in a small circle at home to bring the year to a relaxed close. The desire for intimacy, cosiness and a manageable celebration is paramount. For some, however, New Year's Eve is also an opportunity to pause, review the past year and start the new year in an intimate atmosphere. Some people do not attach any particular importance to New Year's Eve and treat it like any other day of the year. Personal preferences, a lack of interest or a desire to avoid social pressure all play a role here. And some people prefer to spend the evening alone - whether by choice or due to a lack of alternatives. Travelling is also an alternative at the turn of the year. The focus is on relaxation, a change of scenery or the need for new experiences. Organised events such as visits to the theatre or New Year's Eve parties offer an attractive option for those who want to spend the evening in festive surroundings and in a larger group.

Forecast

Christmas will remain a firmly anchored part of German culture with a clear focus on family, rituals and traditions. What counts is the conviviality and community, conversations and cosiness. Then there's the good food and the friends over presents.

New Year's Eve remains primarily a celebration in a private setting - either with family or friends. However, short trips to Germany and abroad to start the New Year in a special atmosphere are also on the rise.