I am happy to say I am participating in Blogmas 2015! I will post every other day till December 25, 2015. I will also be posting a bookish blogmas post over on my book review blog, Between Library Shelves.
Christmas Traditions:
Today's topic is Christmas Traditions. I recently got married and my husband and I are having to create new traditions between the two of us. So here are a few that we have started, being this is year is our second Christmas together. One thing to point out is that several of these traditions is because of where we live at the moment and will probably change in years to come.
1. Christmas Markets: These originated in Germany long long years ago and are still a main attraction throughout Europe. I try to frequent as many Christmas markets as I can in the month of December. Last year I went to 5 around the area that I live. So far, this year I have been to one, with a wonderful friend and her family. This was her first time experiencing this wonderful European tradition.
I thought this market was the prettiest of them all.
2. Gluwein: This is a tradition of Germany, it is one of the most popular drinks that keep you warm as you walk through the many Christmas markets. Gluwein is a red or white wine that is mixed with spices, warmed and becomes a great drink to keep your hands warm while wrapped around the mug and your insides warm as you drink it all down. I personally like white gluwein , my husband prefers red. Not only can you drink this drink at Christmas markets but you can buy it anywhere for cheap, and let me say that January and February are really cold and miserable here so gluwein is good to have around to keep your spirit up.
3. Gnomes: Last year I bought George my first gnome and recently, I bought Godfrey. Gnomes, especially Christmas gnomes originated in the Scandinavian region (Norway, Sweden, Finland) and garden gnomes originated in Germany. I prefer the Christmas gnomes. The story goes that you whisper to your gnome what you want for Christmas in hopes you receive it on Christmas day. So basically it is Europe's version of Elf on the Shelf. I have coined the phrase "Gnome on the Roam."
L-R: George and Godfrey
4. Skyping with Family on Christmas Day: Basically, we are both far far away from our families right now and we miss them so much on Christmas that we like to sit down and chat with family via Skype to see what they got from Christmas and if they enjoyed what we sent them.
One event I hope becomes a tradition is this year's The Any Book Book Club Holiday Party. This is the first year it will take place but I hope it is a great success and becomes a regular event in the coming years.
HAPPY COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS!
Haha! I love the idea of Gnome on the Roam!
ReplyDeleteOh how I miss this time of year in Germany. I won't be attending any Christmas markets but I will be drinking homemade gluhwein. Prost!!
ReplyDeleteThat's great you are creating your own Christmas holiday traditions. We really didn't get a chance to do that last year. Unless you count spending time with my Dad who I haven't seen in 28 years. I was able to visit my home country Philippines last year. The markets you went to sounds lovely. Christmas is slowly catching on here in Asia. They usually don't celebrate it, but commercially they sell Christmas trees and the whole nine yards here.
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