Christmas in Germany

As you've probably read from previous posts, it's been busy around here.  I'm sure it's no different in your homes as well, because once again, 'tis the season, right?!  For several days, a few of us from Gregg's office, spouses included, have been working on table decorations for a holiday hall party at the MP School.  Each organization tied to the school was given a table, or four, to decorate however they chose.  We decided upon a Christkindlmarkt, or Christmas Market in Germany theme.  It's a tradition many of us military folks are fond of, visiting as many as we can from the end of November to Christmas Eve, while living in Europe.

A typical Christkindlmarkt has rows and rows of little huts that sell anything from candy and sweets to ornaments and handmade wares.  The favorite of most is the Gluhwein, mulled wine, stand.  As it's usually quite chilly this time of year, warm wine makes it much more bearable to be standing in the cold temps to partake in this tradition.  There is a non-alcoholic version called Kinderpunsch, which needs no translation I'm sure, that I made for our table yesterday. When you buy a glass of either drink at a market, you get it in a mug that is printed for that town specifically, the year included.  A deposit is given at the time you purchase your beverage, and given back when you return the cup.  We, as did most tourists, kept ours from time to time.  I pull them out at the holidays as yet another reminder of our 8 years and countless trips to market.

If you saw my last post, then you probably noticed some of the cookies I decorated had holes for ribbon, German phrases or funny shapes to them.  That particular batch was used to adorn our tables backdrop, created to resemble one of the little stalls found at a Christkindlmarkt.  There were hearts with 'CDID', Army speak for where Gregg works; trees that said 'Frohes Fest', German for 'Merry Celebration'; and crossed pistols, which represent the MP Corps.  We also used nutcracker soldiers, a Santa and lebkuchen(gingerbread) tin for props, all from my collection.

As good as our decorating skills were, our food donations were even better.  Somehow, our theme carried on in our dishes too.  We had brats(Nurnberger) with crusty rolls (brotchen), German potato salad, green salad with oranges and pomegranates, maple-bacon scones, fudge, tea cakes, a huge assortment of candies and mulled punch.  What an AMAZING turnout from people as busy as me!!  And did I mention we took 3rd place??  Even better than that though, I got to meet and work with a group of great people that I'm so grateful to know!!

A little blurry, but you get the idea...

If you ever find yourself in Germany at Christmas, don't miss one of these fabulous markets.  Some of the smaller, more quaint villages are even better than the huge, more famous ones in the cities.