The world’s largest book fair, Frankfurter Buchmesse, once again opened its doors from October 15–19, 2025, in Frankfurt, Germany—welcoming dreamers, storytellers, and innovators from across the globe. Known as the beating heart of the publishing world, this grand event gathers more than 7,500 exhibitors from over 100 countries, with an expected 280,000 attendees and 10,000 media professionals. It’s not just a fair—it’s a global celebration of literature, culture, and creativity.
This year’s fair raises the bar even higher, offering more than 4,000 seminars and roundtable discussions that spotlight the evolving future of books and storytelling. From bold new voices to literary legends, the Frankfurt Book Fair 2025 remains the ultimate hub for discovering stories that inspire, unite, and challenge perspectives.
Adding a splash of cultural pride, this year’s Guest of Honour—Philippines—brings its vibrant literary tradition and storytelling heritage to the world stage. With colorful themes of faith, family, and identity, the Philippines’ participation breathes new life into this year’s fair, reminding everyone that imagination knows no borders.
https://www.messemasters.com/shows/frankfurt-book-fair/
As the fair celebrates another successful year of bringing together the brightest minds in publishing, Citi of Books proudly joins the festivities at the 77th Frankfurter Buchmesse, showcasing inspiring titles from its talented authors. Among the featured works in the Book Gallery is Christmas for a Fish Out of Water by Albert G Thayer, a warm, informative guide to Christmas customs that helps Americans abroad — exchange students, travelers, and service members — understand and enjoy foreign holiday traditions without feeling lost.
Albert G Thayer, a retired Texas State civil servant who worked in the timber industry before enlisting in the US Army, writes from direct experience and clear affection for both American and German customs; his background gives the book a practical, lived-in voice that reads like a kindly briefing from an older friend who’s already been through the awkward first holiday abroad.
Christmas for a Fish Out of Water is a concise, anecdote-rich primer that demystifies seasonal rituals across Germany and the American South, blending history, folklore, and personal observation. Thayer walks readers through key touchpoints—St. Boniface and the origin story of the Christmas tree (and the curious dagger in his Bible), Bavaria’s early-December St. Nicholas traditions, the lively Epiphany/Three Kings Day celebrations nearly two weeks after Christmas, and the origin and meaning behind carols like “Silent Night.” He contrasts these with regional American customs—like black-eyed peas on New Year’s in Texas—so readers can see the common threads and practical differences at a glance.
The tone is conversational and slightly humorous, but always respectful; historical notes are short and clear, personal memories give the book heart, and the practical tips (when to expect which celebrations, what to bring or wear, how to accept invitations) make it genuinely useful for anyone spending the holidays outside their comfort zone. Designed as a companion for Americans stationed or studying in Germany, the book functions equally well for curious travelers or culturally minded readers who want context for what they see and hear during the season, turning disorientation into curiosity and connection.
Purpose — to demystify foreign Christmas customs and give Americans abroad practical context, cultural insight, and friendly guidance so they can participate confidently, feel at home, and deepen their appreciation of holiday traditions.
Purchase book through this link: https://a.co/d/5nuIiy1