Category Archives: Advent Wreath

Advent Season in Germany

Posted on November 30, 2018 by maryannniemczura

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 … Continue reading →

Posted in Advent Wreath, Advent, Nikolaus, customs, Germany, traditions, cultures, Fulbright Exchange | 22 Comments

Remembering Advent in a German Village

Posted on December 1, 2017 by maryannniemczura

Today’s blog recalls an earlier era when our children were young and living in a magical German village during my first Fulbright year. They counted down the days until December 25 with Advent calendars and put a BIG shoe outside … Continue reading →

Posted in Advent Wreath, Advent, Nikolaus, customs, Germany, traditions, cultures, German village life | Tagged , , , , , , , | 22 Comments

Advent in a German Village

Posted on December 2, 2016 by maryannniemczura

  Advent 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 … Continue reading →

Posted in Advent Wreath, Advent, Nikolaus, customs, Germany, traditions, cultures, Fulbright to Germany | Tagged , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

A Magical Time of Year

Posted on December 12, 2015 by maryannniemczura

‘Tis a magical time of year when Advent arrives along with sights, sounds and warm, spicy smells. It never grows old as we watch the faces of young children eagerly awaiting the arrival of Santa. Letters and cards written. Stockings … Continue reading →

Posted in Advent Wreath, Advent, Nikolaus, customs, Germany, traditions, cultures, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments

5 Joys of having Hobbies

Posted on December 13, 2014 by maryannniemczura

-as an expression of love -as relaxation -as a diversion -as play -as a creative escape By definition, a hobby is an activity or interest pursued for pleasure or relaxation and not as a main occupation. My recollection of both … Continue reading →

Posted in Advent Wreath, Christmas Traditions, family, friends, Fulbright Teacher Exchange, Hobbies, life lessons, love, Nostalgia | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Family Traditions

Posted on December 7, 2014 by maryannniemczura

December 6 is St. Nikolaus Day in Germany. Last night children put the biggest boot they could find outside their door. If they had been good during the year, Nikolaus brought them chocolate, fruit and small gifts. Those who had … Continue reading →

Posted in Advent Wreath, Christmas Traditions, education, family, Fulbright Teacher Exchange, Teaching in Germany | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments