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.