December 2015

23 December 2015

Christmas Markets

Christmas is a magical time here in Germany.  Every town big or small holds a Christmas market.  Usually this is an outdoor market with food, activities for kids, and booths selling Christmas decorations and presents.

These markets are much more ellaborate than the summer street markets and farmers markets we are used to.  The markets are dressed up with many Christmas trees.  The booths are made of wood and fully decorated.  There are tables to gather around and everything is dressed up for Christmas.

We have now been to many Christmas markets big and small.  The big ones have had ice skating rinks and rides for the kids.  The small ones have booths with handmade crafts from people who live in the town.  All the markerts are charming and beautiful.  Usually the temperature has been very cold while at the markets and many booths sell hot drinks to warm you up.  Ethan is now in love with hot chocolate.  Here, hot chocolate is thick and rich.  As we prepare for Christmas it has been fun visiting these markets and experiencing a traditional part of German Christmas.

Another big Christmas tradition here is the advent calendar.  These are more than the cardboard calendars I am used to in the United States with a chocolate behind each door.  In Germany it is common for parents to make their kids a rope with a little bag hanging for each day.  The parents fill each of the 24 bags with candies and little gifts. 

Christmas in Germany is celebrated on the twenty fourth of December when Santa comes and visits your home to give gifts to the children.  Santa also expects more than cookies, he needs to be entertained.  He asks the kids to each sing a song or recite a poem before they get a gift.  Ethan has been practicing a German song he learned in kindergarten.

We are excited to celebrate this holiday in a new way this year.  I hope that you are all experiencing a magical holiday season of your own.  We wish you happiness with loved ones and a nice break from school.