TELL US: How do you like to spend the winter holidays in Germany?

Just as the days start to become unbearably short and dark, the holiday season kicks in to bring a bit of light and cheer to those cold winter nights.

Whether it's warm drinks at the Christmas markets, sharing a hearty meal at home, or observing some of Germany's quirky holiday traditions with your loved ones, there is plenty to enjoy during the winter holiday season.

But for foreign residents with friends and family back in their home countries, it can sometimes be difficult to spend the holidays so far away. In fact, some people make a habit of taking advantage of the break from work to head home for the holidays every year.

So we'd like to hear from you: Do you prefer to stay in Germany or to head home? Do you enjoy the German traditions around Christmas and the New Year, or do you celebrate another holiday around this time that doesn't get as much public attention here?

When you are in Germany around the holidays, what are your favourite ways to celebrate?

Please share your holiday experiences and tips in our reader survey below, and we'll consider your comment for a future article. If the survey doesn't display in your browser, CLICK HERE.