2014 - Almost over

On the last day of a year one tends to look back and tries to remember all the delights and sorrows of the past months. 2014 had too many ill days for my taste and some painful lessons. Still, there were some wonderful adventures and for every lost friend came a new one. 

Life goes on and it's up to us, what we choose to do. Today it means to make the traditional fried cakes and potatoe salad - same procedure as every year. On top I got a bottle of real Champagne from my boss - so I'll start the new Year with class.

A happy and healthy new year to all my readers!

Christmas Eve in Germany

When our children were small, we locked the living-room, where the presents were waiting under the tree. When "Santa" came he lit the candles on the tree and we were allowed to go into the Christmas room. But first I lit the real candles to make the evening special. Once they have burned down we light the electrical lights, like they are now sparkling beside me.

As I grew up in a nursery, my family never had time for a christmas dinner. Whoever was hungry, had to find something in the kitchen. This year we were spoiled by our oldest daughter - she made a wonderful dinner and desert - everything vegan.

Of course I played some songs on my harp - listen to Gloria in Excelsis deo

Then we all unwrapped our presents and finally played a card game. A typical German Christmas Eve.

To make sure, nobody will get hungry during the holidays, we have some christmas food on the table:

December adventure in the City

Although I'm a woman, I dislike shopping. Especially in the city - and before Christmas I try to avoid it. As for Christmas shopping, I try to do it early and local, if possible. Otherwise I keep our postman in work and order some gifts per internet.

Anyway - this year I decided to have a look at the Christmas market in Hannover, our nearest city. Not just the ordinary Christmas market(s), but the historical one at the old market. As the weekends are too packed, I chose my day off from work and took the train on Tuesday afternoon.

Getting out of the main station I was welcomed by many lights and the sight of a huge candle pyramid. It contains food stalls and a pub! Then I followed the crowd to the Market Church and some typical stalls with Christmas decorations, plenty of food and hot punch.

Then suddenly the street seemed totally dark -until my eyes got used to the candle lights (and dimmed electrical lamps) of medieval times. I had arrived at the historical market. Open fires invited for a rest to get warm, there were other food stalls and hot honey wine and hot beer instead of punch. Beside wollen and leather goods a stall with exotic clothes was very tempting - but the temperatures were not tempting enough to get undressed to try on skirts or blouses. One huge tent was full of honey goods: honey with spices, as wine, ointment and candles in hundreds of shapes!

At the next corner I turned into the Finnish part where people enjoyed Finnish foods and drinks, some of them sitting in a huge Finnish tent!

Turning back to the historical market I found more hand made candles, belts, jewelry, books(!) and bags. Bakeries offerend freshly baked break and cakes. Then I found a tiny stage where the band "Waldkauz" were just tuining their instruments. They had been one of the reasons to get me to Hannover at this time of the year. Right beside the stage was a pirate's boot as a bar and I enjoyed a hot Met (honey wine) with cherry juice and waited beside an open fire for the music. Before the band started, Beatritsche, an artist, juggling with glas balls on her naked arms and neck. It looked awesome, but I felt cold just watching her!

The concert of Waldkauz was great fun and I kept myself warm by dancing. They play on medieval instruments, incl. a harp. Many visitors were drawn by the music and it really didn't feel like the middle of a week! After one hour of music it was time to say goodbye. On the way back to the station I passed the fairy forest, which was made of cut fir trees and hides more drink stalls.

Although I was only in Hannover for 4 hours, it almost felt like a holiday in a fairy tale. Yes - I think, I might do it again one day....

Keeping traditions alive

While Sinterclaas brings the Xmas presents in the Netherlands on the 6th of December, in Germany St. Niclas fills the nicely cleaned shoes we put in front of our doors.

Although our children know since they are about 10, that no stranger comes through looked doors at night, we still put our shoes out and fill them with little presents.

When our daughters were small, our neighbour watched out for the light in our porch and came over to bring some sweets. She was such a lovely old lady! As we always left biscuits and tea for Santa, our neighbour had to eat and drink them! Next week she would have become 100 years old, but she died some weeks ago. I'm sure, she looked down from heaven last night and is happy, we still remember her on such special days, although she lived in an old peoples home far away for the past 10 years.

Getting into the Christmas spirit

The 4 Sundays before Xmas are called "Advent Sundays" in Germany. The most famous symbol is a fir wreth with 4 candles. Every Sunday one candle more is lit. 

During my childhood the first Advent Sunday was special. For 2 weeks all the family had spent days and nights making Advent decorations. The smell of fir was strong in the house and this day the family gathered to relax and gather breath for the last work load (cutting and selling Xmas trees) of the year. 

We kept this custom going until our youngest daughter was born on the 2nd Advent Sunday 18 years ago. Then we usually met to celebrate her birthday with the family - and by that time selling Xmas trees had become history. 

This year I spent the first Sunday of Advent at a castle not close by. A medieval band had invited me and this Christmas market was really special. Beside the usuall hot punch and Bratwurst stalls, there were medieval crafts and many homemade crafts as well. Two medieval bands were playing outside, taking turns with other musicians playing Xmas songs. Inside the church a choir sang more unknown songs - those I heard at my granny's when I was small. The choir was followed by a Zither player, waking more treasured memories.

Driving home for 1,5 hours gave me enough time to reflect on memories of my own childhood and the spirit I tried to create for our daughters when they were small. Cosiness, secrets, waiting for something special, lights, warmth and a loving family.