Weihnachtsmarkts

Get ready this month to learn lots about Christmastime here in Germany. We are learning so much already about how they celebrate it differently here and we are loving it. Today your first lesson begins with learning about the

WEINACHTSMARKT:
the Christmas Market

On Sunday we visited the one at the Rathaus--this is the biggest one in Hamburg, in the city center.

Yes, we joined the masses to take part in the most common, public Christmas season tradition. These markets are all over Germany--in the littlest of villages to the greatest of cities. I think they're well known all over the world, too--I'd heard about them before we moved here and I saw a lot of tourists today. The atmosphere was very festive and jolly and fun--yet warm and cozy at the same time.

Here is proof that we participated in the festivities. Not a great shot but proof enough.

Okay, so what are these Weihnachtsmarkts? They are like little Christmas bazaars, with a bunch of booths set up--but the booths are each like mini alpine chalets, like the kind you might imagine to see in the Bavarian Alps. They are dressed up in Christmas garb, and they are very charming. The Weihnachtsmarkt as a whole then becomes like a tiny little made up village...and then you 'stroll thru the streets' for goodies. And what type of goodies might you find?

I've noticed 3 staples thus far:

1) Gluhwein:

Spiced, warmed wine (see pic above of the sign of one of the booths) The people order it and then stand at tall tables and drink it as they're discussing very important world events and such

2) Bratwurst
Grilled. Delicious. Below is evidence of two local Hamburgers who partook in the goodness. We believe it's very important to learn about the culture by tasting it. If Germans eat bratwurst at the Christmas markets, then so must we.

Before we get to #3, I have to comment on our stylish Hamburger above in his black leather jacket. Can I tell you, he LOOKS like a local. He has turned euro and hip on me, and he wears it very well I must say. How handsome is my German husband?! Ladies, back off!

3) Crepes
Yes, crepes are french but they have them in Germany, too--usually called Pfannekuchen, but I guess during Christmas they like to feel a bit French and call them crepes (which is funny because from what I've gathered thus far I don't think the Germans and French particularly like each other very much).





Now the hardest part about ordering a crepe is figuring out what you want to have IN it. Are you feeling like something salty? Like Kase & Schinken? Cheese & Ham? Or do you have a sweet tooth like the Brewer family here and would you prefer Nutella (melted chocolate) in yours? We have also tried jam in the middle, and also cinnamon and sugar. Again, if this is what the locals eat at this time of year, we must do it as well. And you have to do it numerous time to make sure you really 'understand' the culture.




Like a bite? It's all hot & gooey, waiting just for you.
So those are the 3 most popular items--although there are also a plethora of other yummy smells wafting thru the air...and there are lots of little booths selling 'goods' that you can buy to dress up your home for Christmas or to buy your loved ones as gifts

Here's a cute little booth selling Christmas greens & mistletoe




Of course Santa has to join in on the fun--there he is with his flying, furry footed friends on his way to the top of the Rathaus. Ho ho ho!





But what I appreciate most about these Weihnachtsmarkts (and about the ways I have noticed the Germans celebrate the Christmas season in general thus far) is the fact that it's still about Jesus. The CHRIST in Christmas is still legal here in Germany--which is refreshing. It's not "Happy Holidays" here yet--it's "Merry Christmas" and oh it is just so nice! The kids stood by the manger scene for about 15 minutes, and when we left to join the crowds once again, Grace said, "More baby Jesus!" Exactly, Grace--you are exactly right--more baby Jesus. Oh, how truth is spoken through the mouths of babes.

Get ready for more Christmas culture lessons...

Coming Soon!