Christmas in Nazi Germany

Bundesarchiv Bild 102-17313, Berlin, Weihnachtspakete für das Winterhilfswerk

Bundesarchiv Bild 183-J28377, Volkssturm feiert Weihnachten

Christmas in Nazi Germany was marked by the regime's attempt to align the traditional Christian holiday with their ideology. The Nazi Party sought to transform Christmas into a holiday that celebrated the winter solstice, Germanic pagan traditions, and the cult of the 'unconquered sun', while minimizing its Christian aspects.

Background

Christmas is a Christian holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. Traditionally, it involves religious celebrations, the exchange of gifts, and the decoration of Christmas trees. However, after the Nazi Party's rise to power in 1933, there was a concerted effort to reframe Christmas as a celebration that was more aligned with Nazi ideology and less with its Christian roots.

Nazi Influence on Christmas

The Nazis aimed to de-emphasize the Christian elements of Christmas. Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime promoted the idea of a racially pure "Volksgemeinschaft" (national community), and Christmas was seen as an opportunity to emphasize Germanic and pagan traditions that could foster a sense of unity and national pride among the German people.

Changes to Christmas Traditions

- **Christmas Carols**: Traditional Christmas carols were altered to remove references to Jesus Christ. New songs that celebrated the winter landscape, family, and community were introduced. - **Nativity Scenes**: Public displays of nativity scenes were discouraged or outright banned, as they directly contradicted the regime's efforts to de-Christianize the holiday. - **Christmas Trees**: The Christmas tree, which could be linked to Germanic pagan traditions, was retained but was redecorated with symbols that were more in line with Nazi ideology, such as swastikas and sun wheels. - **Santa Claus**: The figure of Santa Claus was replaced with the Germanic god Odin, who was portrayed as a solstice figure who rewarded children who were loyal to the Nazi regime.

Public Reception

The Nazi regime's attempts to alter Christmas traditions were met with mixed reactions from the German public. Many Germans were deeply attached to their Christian traditions and found ways to continue celebrating Christmas in the traditional manner, despite the regime's efforts. This resistance was particularly evident in the continued popularity of religious Christmas carols and nativity scenes in private homes.

Legacy

The Nazi regime's influence on Christmas was largely reversed after its defeat in World War II. Traditional Christian celebrations were restored, and the attempts to Nazify Christmas are now seen as a dark chapter in the history of the holiday.

See Also

• Nazi Propaganda
• Germanic Paganism
• World War II

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