Advent Season in Germany

A time of hope, anticipation.

Crisp air outdoors. Candles,

lights, wreaths abound. Advent

calendars to count down.

 

Small surprises, sweets

behind the tiny doors.

Shouts of glee at the

prizes in little hands.

Smells of fir boughs,

pinecones, gingerbread

houses, baked goodies.

Traditions and rituals.

 

My classroom desk in

Germany held wonderment

as I walked in. An Advent

wreath with a lit candle.

 

Thirty faces watched me

as I reacted in surprise and

expressed thanks to all

the smiling faces.

How different it was this

Fulbright Year of teaching

in Germany. Still years later

our lives forever changed.

 

Moonlit walks on snowy

December nights through the

tiny village in Germany.

Outdoor Christmas markets

 

adorn towns with sights,

smells, sounds of Christmas

music. Rich traditions and

new cultural experiences.

One shoe outside the door

awaiting the visit of Nikolaus

to fill it with candy and fruit.

A revered day – December 6.

 

The Christ Child visits on

Christmas eve when families

gather to exchange their gifts.

Church services at midnight.

 

There is much to be said

for sacred family time and

celebrations. Stores closed on

Sundays, holidays. These

days remain in our hearts

and minds to be forever

treasured and shared in

future shared holidays.

 

We love the old fashioned

Christmas when people

take time to value one another

and share their love.