“He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.”
– Roy L. Smith
It’s that time of year again! When the glühwein (“glowing wine”, warm spiced wine) is flowing, the küsse (“kisses”, these delicious chocolate covered marshmallows) are fresh, and St Nikolaus & Santa can be seen walking the streets! It really is my favorite time of year, even though we haven’t had snow like we did last year. I get to play my American Christmas music while enjoying all things Bavarian around Germany. We have only been to three local markets this year due to having a brand new baby on board. But we are planning to travel across Germany to go to a few more! At some of the larger markets, they decorate the tops of the stalls, adding to the fun.
So far this year we have only been to small local markets. Sometimes, these end up being where I find some of my favorite glühwein mugs! Germany prioritizes recycling compared to the United States. Because of this, most times you will have a ‘pfand’ added when you purchase a drink. This ‘pfand’ is a deposit that allows you to take your mug, but you must bring it back to get your money back. It also includes glass beer bottles or plastic juice bottles from the store. So in the case of Christmas markets, you get glühwein mugs that you can return or keep. We only have two, as mine from the Nürnberg market got broken last year. We try to only keep the ones we think are really cool as we are trying to downsize our possessions.
Okay, now back to the markets! They set up stalls and sell all kinds of things (see above). Many of the items are handmade too. Beeswax, alpaca wool socks, soaps, pyramids, candies, foods, drinks, and, of course, different wood products. Germany is known for their amazing wood working skills and I feel like you see this at the markets. There are so many things I want to buy for our home and garden at the markets.
So far this season, I have been unable to get many photos. Whereas last year we had lots of snow to play in, this year has brought cold rain. This means we are not staying at the markets long nor am I able to take photos because I do not want my phone or camera wet. I am really hoping this weekend when we go to Bamberg to walk the Nativity Scene trail that it is not raining so we can enjoy it! But, if it is raining, we will make it work. We do not mind playing in the rain, but I do not want things I buy to get wet from the rain.
Unlike in the US, Bavarian German culture has St Nicholaus, dressed in a bishop’s outfit, visit on Dec 6. He fills the shoes or stockings of children and stories are told to the children of his selfless giving. He brings with him Krampus and other figures who then visit the ‘bad’ children & cause mayhem.
Some are quite scary, so we have yet to go to a Krampus show due to the girls. Usually at markets we also get to see Christkindl (an angel like Christ Child) and Weihnachtsmann (Santa Claus). They come on Christmas Eve to bring the children gifts.
I could not get a good photo at the local market, but hopefully I can get a better one of all the characters at a future one
What are some of your favorite holiday traditions or memories? I’d love to hear about them below!
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