Lifestyle

Thanksgiving is over, but the holiday season is still here. Now it’s time for you to make your list and check it twice, just like jolly ol’ Saint Nick.

Residents living off-base in German communities must know the rules regarding snow and ice on sidewalks. Residents should check their rental contracts to find out about their obligations. The rental contract clearly states who must keep sidewalks free of ice and snow.

The City of Sankt Wendel will hold its Christmas market combined with a medieval market Saturday to Dec. 15. More than 130 little decorated houses and booths will offer arts and crafts, gift ideas and regional culinary specialties from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Today, Germans observe “Nikolaustag,” or Santa Claus Day. Traditionally, on the night of Dec. 5, children place their boots outside their rooms to have them filled by Santa Claus with candy, cookies, nuts, oranges and little gifts during the night.

If you haven’t tasted it yet, go ahead! Stollen — or German Christmas bread — is a holiday season must have. With almonds, fruits and marzipan, this cake is a typical Advent delight in Germany.

The Christmas tradition has many variations around the world. Santa and his “friends” also take on different names, depending on the part of the world. Tomte, Sinterklaas, Ded Moros, Pere Noel, la Befana, Weihnachtsmann and Santa Claus are just a few of the titles given to this jolly holiday man and his friends.

If you happen to be in the neighborhood of Bari, Italy, on Dec. 6, be sure to swing by and pay tribute to the remains of Saint Nicholas — not to be confused with Santa Claus, who is most certainly alive and well and won’t be leaving home this year until Dec. 24.