MORE Christmas Markets and Merry Making

 

We set up our Christmas tree just before Grandma left to go back to Utah.

 

Then on one of the first days of the Winter school break, we got a dusting of snow.  Enough to make a petite snowman on our front wall by the gate.

 

We decorated sugar cookies, watched all the Christmas movies, and sang many, many Christmas songs.  (That's what I put in the advent calendar this year, and while we didn't do it every night, I loved hearing Rob play the piano and everyone humming tunes around the house all month.)

 

One night at dinner Toby was questioning me about the mugs I have been buying at the Christmas markets and I told him that next year we could take them all out, make some cocoa, and have a "Christmas market" at home.  Well that last part was all the kids heard apparently, and they made plans for a Christmas market at home.  Each kiddo crafted and set up a little stand somewhere in the house to sell their artwork for 1-10 cents each.

 

Rob and I walked around the market together looking at each piece of artwork and purchasing a few from each child.

 

Then they took those pennies and walked around each other's stands purchasing a few things too.

 

It was a very fun evening and I hope they will be willing to do it again next year!  Maybe we'll even be able to invite some other family and friends to play along with us.

 

The last Saturday before Christmas we drove up to Aachen.  I just loooove the Aachener Dom, and I was thrilled for an excuse to go visit it again.  The excuse was an old friend of ours from our singles ward (church congregation in DC just for young single adults) was visiting Europe with her family and we had arranged to meet up in Aachen for lunch together.

 

This cathedral never disappoints.

 

We found a pizzeria willing to seat our party of 10, and enjoyed a leisurely lunch chatting together about memories, families, and travel.  It was a lovely time.

 

We hope the rest of your trip was as enjoyable, Deb and Blair!

 

And all of the kiddos too!

 

We walked around the Aachen Christmas market as our FINAL Christmas market in Germany.  I loved the Hexennof (witch's house) market and added two more mugs to our collection.

 

On Christmas Eve I made cinnamon rolls for Christmas breakfast and we read Luke 2 while the little ones acted out the Nativity scene.  Our Joseph and Mary argued once again over the privilege of rocking the baby Jesus, but so it goes.

 

The shepherd stayed out of the drama.  (Charlotte did the reading.)

 

Smiley faces and excitement before bedtime!

 

I just loved this Christmas.  We mindfully did less this year.  Less baking, less shopping, less traveling.  And that allowed us to have more.  More peace, more time, more quiet.  Gifts were thoughtfully bought or made, and gratefully received.  My heart was overflowing with joy and love for this little family of ours. It was the most wonderful time of the year, for sure.