A Cultural Exchange: Post Christmas Blog

You guys are getting this one early, for once. I had to write today as I start my Berlin adventure tomorrow, but I'll write about that next week. This week was a wonderful pick me up, and full of new memories.

Monday was all about preparations, getting together the final bits of christmas cheer ready. Including decorating the tree.

And putting up the manger, definitely added the touch I was missing. It was also the first and last time I will ever see Andreas willingly turn on christmas music.

Christmas eve is more the main day of Christmas here. You spend it with your family, have a large dinner and the gift exchange. We went over to the church for the childrens play before dinner. I was happy that it was the most abridged version I have ever heard/ seen. Play with interluding songs and a short word from the priest, all under 35 minutes!!! After the service we came home for a delicious 4 course meal, including deer.

Christmas day was spent with the Grand parents, and I don't ever think I've eaten so much in my life. We got all dressed up in the sunday bests and headed to Essen. A huge Brunch buffet awaited, then tea and cakes and round it out with a home cooked meal.

Thursday Erika and Andreas took me out to a museum that depicted the evolution of german living. Somehow I neglected to take a lot of pictures but I have these..