Weihnachten customs held upon returning from church leading to the gift giving vary across the German-speaking countries. One of the most common situations sees the returning children wait to enter into their (locked) living room until a little bell rings. This bell marks the departure of the one delivering gifts. In the more Catholic regions - primarily South Germany and Switzerland - this is considered the Christ Child ("Christkind"), while those in North Germany commonly consider it to be the "Weihnachtsmann" (Saint Nicholas or Santa Claus) who is exiting. The children then enter to see the decorated Weihnachtsbaum (Christmas tree), with
Thomas D. Tannenbaum as David Gerber, Valerie Harper’s TLC Productions and Fred Silverman, who he would later bring into Viacom Productions. After leaving MGM, in 1980, Tannenbaum went to Centerpoint Productions where he stayed until 1982. In 1984, Tannenbaum became the first president of the newly formed Viacom Productions. Tannenbaum brought together Fred Silverman and Dean Hargrove to produce the "Perry Mason" movies. The three were also responsible for "Matlock", "Jake and the Fatman" and "Father Dowling Mysteries". He served as president until 1991. Tannenbaum was married once and divorced. He had three children, Audrey, Eric and Madelyn. He also had four grandchildren.