Weihnachtsmarkt- A German Tradition

During the four weeks proceeding Christmas, many of the cities in Germany are lit up and full of people visiting the Weihnachtsmarkt. The Weihnachtsmarkt is a street market associated with the celebration of Christmas. The first Christmas market was held in Dresden in 1434. Nuremberg is one of the most famous markets today and draws each year about two million people.

Over the weekend, another couple joined us for a trip to the Nuremberg Weihnachtsmarkt. We knew that we were approaching the Weihnachtsmarkt when the aroma of toasted almonds captured our senses. The market combined food, drinks, vendors, bands and choirs, all in the open-air of the city center. Glühwein, a hot wine, is a very popular drink at the market and helps to keep you warm. Hot chocolate is also available. But my personal favorite was the chocolate- covered strawberries. I’m still dreaming about them a day later.

Going in with a set budget, I was able to secure some beautiful Christmas ornaments for our tree and a few very unique candle holders. We had a wonderful afternoon eating, shopping, laughing and shivering with our good friends and their puppy Denzel Washington.

Our First Christmas Tree

This year my husband and I will spend our first Christmas together. Even while dating, Christmases were always spent on different continents. He with his family in Germany and me with my family in the States.

Well, last week, while visiting my in-laws, we cut down a fresh Christmas tree from their back yard. My mother in-law also gave me some beautiful hand-made ornaments to hang on our tree.

Later that week, Matze and I bought more ornaments and lights and spent an entire evening decorating the tree and listening to jazzy Christmas songs.

We Had Church!

Thursday evening the Jackson Singers, a traveling gospel ensemble, came to Ingolstadt. And what a glorious time it was.

The Jackson Singers began by singing old spiritual hymns, hymns that I hadn’t heard since childhood. Later, they moved into some hand-clapping, foot-stomping praises. The Germans in the crowd, who are usually difficult to get out of their seats, were standing, clapping and shouting hallelujah! The village of Ingolstadt was truly blessed that evening.