Great point Lola! The same goes for Germany of course. We send cards at least 3 weeks before Xmas.
Fa-la-la-la-laaaaaa

Hannalore, I've lived in both Holland and Germany (military and active duty) and loved the Christmas season! In Holland one would put out there boots rather than stockings and Saint Nicholas accompanied w/ Schwartz Pete would parade through town throwing candy!

My fond memories are also of shopping in Frankfurt along the Konstablerwache and Hauptwache (sp?) with the festive window displays, festivities, and Gluehwein. Gosh, I really enjoyed the Kathe Wolfhart stores! I can't seem to find any of her figurines stateside. I lived on Hahn AB and would take the white swan (bus) to the flughafen, eat at McDonalds, and then take the S-Bahn into the shopping district. I also miss the apple kuchen mit eis. Oh, I'm hungary now!

Hi, Hannelore: It starts to get manic at the post office by mid-November here and the queue for the counter could snake all over the place for the special Christmas stamps especially so, if one goes to post at Santa's village. Post offices here also have multi services and functions as it bears the personality of a quasi bank and agent for various sorts, which explains why the queue can be the way it is...long.

Hi, I'm Denise. I am new to the forum. Count me in. It will be a great opportunity to get to know everyone.

I'm bringing this back up because it was covered up without everyone getting a chance to say Hello and Welcome to our new member, Denise! Hi there Denise and welcome to the best home on the Internet! I got your info. COOL!

We're so glad you've joined us and can't wait to get to know you better! Whenever you want, share more about yourself and your life. No pressure, just whenever you feel comfortable doing so. Once again, welcome! You're going to love these ladies!

JJ

Hi Denise!

Merry Christmas a tad early, and welcome to BWS! You will love meeting all the ladies here - they are such a caring, awesome bunch.

Kathy

MustangangGal, I think you're right about Christmas being especially romantic here in Germany. I love the custom of friends and family meeting at those outdoor Gluehwine stands, and drinking till tipsy. Everyone stands in the snow, and if lucky big soft snowflakes fall, to enhance the atmosphere.

For those that don't know, these Christmas markets are open four weeks before Xmas, every day and night. They consist of little wooden houses built next to each other, each selling their wares from knit socks, toys and hot food to Christmas cookies, cakes and of course Christmas decorations. I think they're particularly loved because that's where people meet at night (open usually till 11:00 P.M.) to drink and socialize.

Gee, wish we Boomer sisters could all meet at a stand! Wow, that would mean " look out Germany"!

Oh, WELCOME Denise! Looking forward to reading more about you.

Hannelore, reading your posts really makes me want to return to
Germany to visit sooner rather than later : )
I used to live in Fulda, but enjoyed traveling all over
Germany. I miss the holiday markets, the gluhwein, the pfannkuchen lol,
and miss the wonderful people! Tschuss!!

I can imagine Christmas in Hawaii must be beautiful too. Do they string lights up on the Palm trees? How do you celebrate Christmas?

You can make your own Gluewein, Cindy. Here is a recipe.

Pour a bottle of red wine in a pot. Throw in a few thin apple and orange slices and if you like, a vanilla stick. Add sugar to taste. Heat it up till steaming hot. Serve in big coffee cups and sprinkle a little cinnamon on top. A few Christmas cookies on the side…a few silly friends, Presto! You got that German Christmas spirit. If you don't like wine, you can do the same with apple cider. That's a good drink for children too.

If you do return to Germany, and you are in Bavaria, I'd love it if you'd come to visit.
Tschuss


Hannelore

You ladies with a short posting date, get your cards, sign each one and put them in the envelopes with your return address, this way all you need do when you receive the list is address the envelopes. This really is a time saver.