Now that my most favorite holiday has already passed, I'm looking forward to celebrating my second most favorite holiday - Christmas. Let it be known that on Christmas Day, I'm in Florida. While you're out and about dreaming about a White Christmas, I'm ever grateful to be with my husband and family in a place where having BBQ in addition to the traditional holiday meal is a viable option.
One Christmas morning a few years back, my husband hoisted our nephew up on his shoulders so that the little guy could pluck an orange from my parents' tree in the front yard. I took a picture to commemorate the moment and it still makes me smile every time I see him wearing a little long-sleeved shirt and a pair of green shorts. Yep, to me, that's Christmas.
Not to say that I don't get my fill of German Christmas spirit before going to warmer places. Because I live in a very Catholic region of the country, Adventszeit is a very prominently celebrated time of year here. So, in addition to the decorations which have been up since SEPTEMBER in some stores (thanks to gross consumerism, and nothing else), the real celebrations are about to take place. One tradition that I truly enjoy and admire is the Weihnachtsmarkt, or German Christmas Market.
There is always a great possibility for you to eat, meet up with friends, drink mulled wine (Glühwein or vin chaud) or my personal favorite, the alcohol-free version often referred to as being "Christmas Punch", or shop for some lovely handmade crafts and other gifts. Nothing beats holding a nice warm punch in your hands in a wintry atmosphere, twinkling lights surrounding you above and below, laughter, animated conversations with strangers and friends alike, and almost everyone being in much more amicable moods.
Interestingly, we discovered a German Christmas Market along the Thames in London this past weekend. It was a fun and pleasant surprise to be able to kick off another chapter of the holiday season a little bit earlier than planned, especially because it also gave my parents another great opportunity to experience new German traditions in two European countries!
It's time to get those UNICEF greeting cards (or those from your favorite charity), and place those orders online - or better yet, with your favorite local mom and pop retailers… they do still exist, and with all of our help, they'll continue to do so.
Take care, and have a great week.
xoxo CountryEuroCityMouse
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