I am oh-so excited about the month of December here in Germany! For one, I have a great love of Christmas, which I got from my Mom (see, Mom, I blame good things on you, too :)). I love how Christmas just makes you feel happy for no reason and you can literally feel it all around you (sorry to be cliche, but it's a cliche for a reason: it's true). I know that Christmas is around when a few things start to happen:
1. I start obsessing with the color red, even though for the other 10.5 months of the year, red is my least favorite color.
2. I love to bake and listen to Christmas music (don't love to bake the rest of the year - love to cook, but not a big baker).
3. I love to go on walks outside in the cold (normally hate cold and would much rather stay inside).
So when these things start happening, Christmas is near. Normally around Christmas time, I love a ton of lights, I watch all of the sappy Christmas movies on TV religiously, and I hum Christmas music all day long. I knew this Christmas would be different than normal since I am on a different continent. And I'm not really sure what to expect, but I know it's going to be brilliant.
So far, I've already begun the Christmas music and baking. Also desperately want to find a cute red hat to wear. We've put up decorations and begun our Advent Calendars. I've seen so far that Advent Calendars are a bigger deal here than in the States. I know a lot of people do them in the States, and we normally always had one, but they're still a bigger deal here somehow. Which suits me fine, since I'm on board for anything that has to do with Schokolade. Another difference here is that no one gets a Christmas Tree until the 24th. Then they leave it up normally going into January.
One thing you might have heard of: Germany is known for their Weihnachtsmarkts, which translates to Christmas Markets (Weihnachten = Christmas, Markt = I think you can figure that one out). Every town has one, and they are supposed to be gorgeous. They have all kinds of food to eat, gifts to buy, rides for kids, and they are famous for Gluehwein (hot red wine with cloves, sugar...etc). One of my favorite parts is that every Markt has their own Mug (Tasse auf Deutsch), and when you buy a drink (hot coco, gluehwein, tea), you get to keep the mug! And they're really cool mugs, too. I have been to one small Weihnachtsmarkt so far, which was adorable, but apparently according to Monika it wasn't even that great of a one, so I can't wait to go to more.
And I will be doing a lot of traveling for half of December, starting next weekend by going to Munich with a friend, then when my mom arrives on the 16th, we have a great trip planned to Paris for Christmas, Belgium for a few days, and Amsterdam for New Year's (scary?). I really can't even begin to imagine how great it will all be. I don't think it has sunk in yet.
I will of course miss everyone in the States terribly. There are a couple of things that I wish I could fly back really quick for. Don't make fun of me, but Zoe turns 4 on December 9th (they grow up so fast) and I miss her so much!!! And then one of my best friends, Sara, graduates from college! It makes me so sad to miss it and not be able to go! But I will be thinking of you, promise :)! And we will celebrate everything (birthdays, graduation, christmas) when I get back to the states!
So, everyone, Ich wuensche euch ein Frohe Weihnachten.
Liebe Gruesse.
