December 29th, 2015
This Christmas season we continued some of our family traditions from back home while adding a few new experiences that seemed fitting while we are here in Germany. Perhaps they too will become family traditions. I missed some of our old traditions; driving around to see crazy Christmas light displays, participating in the Las Posadas and getting together with friends and family. I enjoyed the newness of the Christmas markets, celebrating St. Nicholas and finding a yellow card in our mailbox notifying us that we got a package!
The season felt quieter this year but still good. I’m learning how change is about opening my mind and heart to the new even in the midst of missing our familiars. It has definitely been harder than I expected. It takes intentionality to keep moving forward. Since many have asked about our holiday experience, here’s some glimpses into how we celebrated…
we lit Advent candles that we purchased at a Christmas market and read a short Advent devotional on Sundays. We gathered some greens, pinecones and acorns from the woods and put together our own wreath on a plate. We hope to reuse these candles for the years we are here.
the boys opened the windows of the Advent Calendar that Dear sent
we moved Mary through our wooden Advent wreath and followed the story of a little bear on his way to Bethlehem
we read Christmas stories each night
the boys each put out a polished boot for St. Nicholas to fill on December 6th!
we explored four different Christmas markets
we decorated trees out in the forest with food for the animals.
Mama decorated the apartment with Adi’s “help” on the tree
we went to a candlelight Christmas Eve Service. Several different denominations came together to worship, all leading different aspects of the service. It was beautiful. Though we were surrounded by strangers, the familiarity of the body of Christ brought comfort.
our VERY excited seven year old woke up everyone to open presents on Christmas morning!
We got to talk to both sets of our parents and some of our siblings as well…a treat! Mama made our traditional strawberry/banana french toast for breakfast. Daddy delighted our taste buds with a delicious dinner!
We are grateful for the little One we celebrate on Christmas day and throughout this Season. His humble beginnings wrapped in the miraculous is for all of us. Frohe Wiehnachten dear loved ones! Know that we miss you all and wish you the fullness of life and love.
