December 5th is Krampusnacht (Devil's Night) in Eastern Europe
Unless you've been to Germany or eastern Europe in early December, you may not be aware that they celebrate Krampusnacht on December 5th. It's sort of like Halloween in the US, but it's celebrated on the night before Saint Nikolaus Day (December 6th). On December 5th, participants dress up as devils, and sometimes try to scare the little ones into being good for the Christmas holidays. Many of their costumes are elaborate and artistic.
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Really, there are German groups of one kind or another all over the Eastern and Midwestern US. But my point is that most of the organizations hold their "Christmas" parties in the first week of December, and it's because of their old-world tradition. The St. Nikolaus day (Dec. 6th) is when they have feasts, gift-giving, alcohol, and what-not, whereas the true Christmas holidays (Dec. 24-25th) are more solemn and religious.
