First, I want to say that this will be my first blog entry for the
Plotner Family blog, and I'm excited about it. I've only edited and provided what I think to be valuable input up to now.
Second, I'll say that three blog posts from the Plotner family blog in one day is definitely unheard of and I wouldn't expect to see that happen...EVER...AGAIN.
Thirdly, today was the day that we began our Plotner European Christmas Tour.
I spent many days, while I was supposed to be working, planning out the next month's adventures. Our adventures will take us to Prague, France, and many places in Germany to experience Christmas markets and Christmas traditions in Europe.
I'm very excited because I think that German's and maybe all Europeans quite possibly enjoy Christmas in a more traditional way than we do in the US. In the US it seems like we spend so much time trying to buy the newest gadget for our children. We fret about whether the children are going to have enough "things" or if they are going to be "happy" on Christmas morning. We begin to lose site of traditions and the true spirit of Christmas.
~ WARNING ~ soap box starts here ~ WARNING ~
My dread for the Christmas season has increased over the years, due to the emphasis that has been placed on hunting for the newest fad gift rather then spending time with family, friends, and the celebration of the birth of Jesus. And no offense to you "Black Friday" shoppers, but hasn't it become a little over the top? I mean, now the shopping starts on Thanksgiving? WOW...anyway, I won't stay on a soap box about that..I'm just not sure I'm willing to trade in my family time to get beat up and stomped on for a deal on the "coolest, new thing" out there...but that's just me
I'm very excited because I think that German's and maybe all Europeans quite possibly enjoy Christmas in a more traditional way than we do in the US. In the US it seems like we spend so much time trying to buy the newest gadget for our children. We fret about whether the children are going to have enough "things" or if they are going to be "happy" on Christmas morning. We begin to lose site of traditions and the true spirit of Christmas.
~ WARNING ~ soap box starts here ~ WARNING ~
My dread for the Christmas season has increased over the years, due to the emphasis that has been placed on hunting for the newest fad gift rather then spending time with family, friends, and the celebration of the birth of Jesus. And no offense to you "Black Friday" shoppers, but hasn't it become a little over the top? I mean, now the shopping starts on Thanksgiving? WOW...anyway, I won't stay on a soap box about that..I'm just not sure I'm willing to trade in my family time to get beat up and stomped on for a deal on the "coolest, new thing" out there...but that's just me
~ WARNING ~ soap box ends here ~ WARNING ~
The idea of experiencing Christmas over the next month with my family enjoying the cultures and traditions of Germany and other nearby countries is very exciting.
Today, we visited our first Christmas market in Vaihingen, home to Patch Barracks and our friends, the Johnson's. We met the Johnson's there, ate dinner, explored the vendors and festivities and enjoyed some delicious crepes.
The girls enjoying their crepes
Christmas markets here are very "village" and family centric. The people in the village come together and sell things that you can purchase for gifts, they have delicious food to eat, and of course "glühwein", because the Germans don't do anything without something "special" to drink.
The idea of experiencing Christmas over the next month with my family enjoying the cultures and traditions of Germany and other nearby countries is very exciting.
Today, we visited our first Christmas market in Vaihingen, home to Patch Barracks and our friends, the Johnson's. We met the Johnson's there, ate dinner, explored the vendors and festivities and enjoyed some delicious crepes.
Standing in line at the Crepe stand
Christmas markets here are very "village" and family centric. The people in the village come together and sell things that you can purchase for gifts, they have delicious food to eat, and of course "glühwein", because the Germans don't do anything without something "special" to drink.
Marshal says "When in doubt, pinky out."
We had a great time with the Johnson's visiting our first Christmas market. Grace bought a present and I bought a fresh wreath for the front door. We are looking forward to our second Christmas market tomorrow. My goal is to blog about each place we visit and to buy small gifts for family as we go.
I hope that each of you will find a way to enjoy this holiday season beyond the commercialism that surrounds the season so heavily today. Gift giving is a small part of Christmas, but remember, sometimes the simplest of gifts can be the most meaningful and long lasting.
~Brandy~
Hi! I am writing an article about homeschooling for a homeschool magazine. Would you mind if I link to you? Thanks! Jen McD
ReplyDeleteHi Jen, we'd enjoy that.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I will let you know if they decide to note your site. I meant to say I am writing an article about homeschooling dads, which is why I'd like to link to you! :)
ReplyDeleteAhh the Gluvine...Very nearly set the barracks on fire making it the way Christine (you remember her from school right Marshal?) showed me. It involved the heated wine, a hard sugar cone, dark spiced rum, and a lighter. Only being the good little soldiers we were back then all we had was 151 proof rum. See earlier comment about nearly setting the barracks on fire.
ReplyDeleteI've actually got two bottles of the wine in my pantry now, just waiting on it to get cold enough outside to feel good about drinking it.