We were lucky not to have to go very far to spend Christmas with family this year as my parents are still in Germany. I was really excited to spend a Christmas in Germany again, as I remembered how truly festive it is there from my youth. In a place that has Christmas specialty shops open all year round, it really comes alive during the true Christmas season with the most elaborate Christmas markets I've seen.
One of our trains didn't show up so we were able to spend an hour in the Karlsruhe train station. Shocked by how low the prices are in Germany compared to Switzerland (even in a train station) we indulged in some goodies. Jaxon was especially excited about his elaborate snowman cookie.
Our first stop in Nuremberg we hit the famous Christmas market, up for one of the best in Europe. The kids were especially excited about the "Kinderweihnachtsmarkt" (good luck trying to pronounce that) dedicated to children.
Though we aren't all that into purchasing all of the crafty things that they sell at the markets, we couldn't resist the food. So "we" (I think Daniel and I got one bite each) ate chocolate covered strawberries...
and a half-meter long sausage which the kids attacked from each end...
and a huge meaty thing that Daniel was VERY excited about (just look at the satisfaction on that face).
Jaxon slurping up the carmelized onions
Lebkuchen, yummy!
Enjoying the hot alcohol-free version of gluhwein, usually reserved for children, was very satisfying in the 20-degree (fahrenheit) evening.
We spent Christmas Eve morning at the market again, this time with my parents who treated the kids to some rides.
That evening we acted out the Christmas story, Jaxon as Joseph, Jonas alternately as Mary and baby Jesus (Mary for purposes of riding the donkey), me as the second Mary, my mom as the angel and my dad as the narrator. Oh, and Daniel as the donkey who mooed like a cow.
The stable that Daniel created was a hit with the kids.
Christmas morning. And a white one. It started snowing on Christmas Eve and by the morning the whole world seemed covered by snow. I can't remember that last time I had a white Chistmas; it was really fun. And apparently it was not a white one in Geneva, so we came to the right place! And luckily had brought the kids' snow suits.
Once Jonas found that his stocking was filled with candy, I wasn't sure that he would ever move on to his presents.
Jaxon openning up his Playmobile castle. He has been wanting one for awhile, so we decided to go for it, even though there was some question as to how we were going to get it home on the train...
After openning presents, the Jaxon went on adventure with his dad and grandpa, a Christmas walk through a snow covered Nuremberg.
The Albrecht Druerer rabbit carcass-thing under snow.
The boys sharing a bed. It worked pretty well until one of them started kicking.
It really was a wonderful Christmas. After spending two Christmas seasons alone when we lived in Marseille, it was great to be able to share this one with loved ones.
One of our trains didn't show up so we were able to spend an hour in the Karlsruhe train station. Shocked by how low the prices are in Germany compared to Switzerland (even in a train station) we indulged in some goodies. Jaxon was especially excited about his elaborate snowman cookie.
Our first stop in Nuremberg we hit the famous Christmas market, up for one of the best in Europe. The kids were especially excited about the "Kinderweihnachtsmarkt" (good luck trying to pronounce that) dedicated to children.
Though we aren't all that into purchasing all of the crafty things that they sell at the markets, we couldn't resist the food. So "we" (I think Daniel and I got one bite each) ate chocolate covered strawberries...
and a half-meter long sausage which the kids attacked from each end...
and a huge meaty thing that Daniel was VERY excited about (just look at the satisfaction on that face).
Jaxon slurping up the carmelized onions
Lebkuchen, yummy!
Enjoying the hot alcohol-free version of gluhwein, usually reserved for children, was very satisfying in the 20-degree (fahrenheit) evening.
We spent Christmas Eve morning at the market again, this time with my parents who treated the kids to some rides.
That evening we acted out the Christmas story, Jaxon as Joseph, Jonas alternately as Mary and baby Jesus (Mary for purposes of riding the donkey), me as the second Mary, my mom as the angel and my dad as the narrator. Oh, and Daniel as the donkey who mooed like a cow.
The stable that Daniel created was a hit with the kids.
Christmas morning. And a white one. It started snowing on Christmas Eve and by the morning the whole world seemed covered by snow. I can't remember that last time I had a white Chistmas; it was really fun. And apparently it was not a white one in Geneva, so we came to the right place! And luckily had brought the kids' snow suits.
Once Jonas found that his stocking was filled with candy, I wasn't sure that he would ever move on to his presents.
Jaxon openning up his Playmobile castle. He has been wanting one for awhile, so we decided to go for it, even though there was some question as to how we were going to get it home on the train...
After openning presents, the Jaxon went on adventure with his dad and grandpa, a Christmas walk through a snow covered Nuremberg.
The Albrecht Druerer rabbit carcass-thing under snow.
The boys sharing a bed. It worked pretty well until one of them started kicking.It really was a wonderful Christmas. After spending two Christmas seasons alone when we lived in Marseille, it was great to be able to share this one with loved ones.
Aucun commentaire:
Enregistrer un commentaire