Christmas Eve

In Germany Christmas Eve is a half holiday. Shops open, but usually only until 1 pm. I had done my last shopping of fresh food early in the morning. After a day with the most customers in 2013 on the 23rd, the 24th of December was much quieter at work and everyone seemed to be relaxed.

At home I had some food, played the Xmas songs once more on the harp, got dressed and was ready by the time my Dad arrived with his car. He took me and the Harp to the rooms of the free church, that way my family had enough space in our small car. 

There were already more musicians having a sound check and everyone admired my harp. There were less visitors than expected and different to my last "performance" everyone listened intesely to my play. At the beginning I felt a bit nervous and needed 3 starts to play the first song without mistakes, but still got applause. In rotations with the other musicians I played 3 more songs - all sounding well. After the service everyone shook my hand and thanked me for bringing my harp. It made me feel very special and loved.

 

At home the girls prepared the food in the kitchen while I placed the presents under the Christmas tree. We had Raclette - a new way to eat for my Dad, but he enjoyed it. Then we moved to the floor, (except my Dad) to unpack the presents. Everyone was happy and it was almost midnight by the time we had finished. 

It was a lovely Christmas Eve.

 Christmas tree with real candles.

 The chaos after unpacking - see the bucket with water - just in case....

When the candles had burned down, we switched on the 250 electric lights.

A plate full of special Christmas sweets is our family tradition. My Dad remembered and loved it!