In The Mood for Christmas

Christmas is coming, the geese are getting fat,
Please to put a penny in an old man's hat;
If you haven't got a penny, a ha'penny will do,
If you haven't got a ha'penny, God bless you.

/Nursery Rhymes by Mother Goose/

Preparing for Christmas Ahead of Time

It may now be too early to set up a Christmas tree, but for an alternate option, you can spray paint some branches white, then hang some ornaments, biscuits or candy canes on them to bring a touch of holiday magic into your home.

Chistmas Fair in Lunenburg

The traditional Christmas market in Lunenburg takes place in front of the Lüneburger Rathaus (Town Hall) from whose balcony Siegfried Knoop, trumpet soloist plays a Christmas song every afternoon. Stalls sell handcrafted Christmas decorations and gifts, Lebkuchen (gingerbread) and Glühwein (mulled wine). There are also beautiful scenes staged from the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm all over the city center.
Wherever you are, soak up the magic of Yuletide markets and indulge in the delicious traditional Christmas treats.

The Season of Advent

The season of Advent started today. It is a period of preparation before Christmas, and somehow, I enjoy it more than the holiday itself. There are so many holiday projects you can prepare by yourself to bring some festive cheer and seasonal warmth into your home décor.
I've crafted a candle holder from a recycled fence board and some scented candles lying around in our drawers. Our Chritmas center-piece is made up of evergreen branches, fresh fruits and orange pomanders that may last up to several years if made properly.
If you want more inspiration for your creative soul, take a tour on the websites of Martha Stewart and Good Housekeeping.

When Christmas is over

I wish Christmas had lasted a bit longer. It went by way too fast again. Although brightening up my breakfast with the delicious leftovers of our Christmas feast has not brought the fairy dust of Christmas Eve back, it may keep the ‘spirit’ going a bit longer. (Let’s say for one more day, because then I am officially done eating leftovers.)

Merry Christmas

"Let’s reconnect with old friends.
Meet new friends.
Eat candy cane till our stomach hurt.
Hand-deliver all our holiday cards.
Let’s sing “Jingle Bells” in the shower.
Exchange good stories instead of gifts.
Leave lettuce for the reindeer.
Let’s put tinsel in the bathroom.
Compliment Mom on her cooking.
Wear a novelty sweater.
Make a mistletoe hat.
Let’s give fruitcake a second chance.
Bake Christmas cake for our dog.
Start a new tradition.
Let’s make red and green the new black.
Pour eggnog on our cereal.
Let’s remember what it is all about.

It’s time to spread some holiday cheer."

/Starbucks Christmas ad, 2004/