That’s a loaded question! I know for some this time of year is more stressful than any other! My Facebook feed is full of all the parents with their sneaky Elves, the bakers, lovely presents, tempting sales, gorgeous traveling, wonderful Christmas Markets, and beautiful Christmas trees. And yet, somehow, despite seeing everyone so busy and socializing, I find myself retreating. I’m turning inward and wanting to spend more time with just my boys. I’m not writing as much and reading little. I’m playing with my son during the day and watching movies with my husband at night as we plan our little one’s special Christmas. I’ve never been one for all the hustle and bustle over Christmas. I have never felt that is what it’s all about. I think this year, though, I have other reasons for my retreat.
Maybe I am a little homesick, not for just a place, but for different times in my life.
Maybe it’s because finances aren’t as good as they could be, preventing the extra fun to be had.
Maybe it’s both of these things.
But maybe, just maybe, those things are helping me to actually sit back, relax and enjoy what is important every day, not just this time of year. Maybe these things are the start of something new.
I was recently asked through an expat advisor if I had any advice for expats during the holidays. While this is my first holiday as a new expat, I’ve been here before and I know the drill. I know how to get through and make it work and what I said is simple.
Make the holidays your own. Don’t focus on the traditions you feel you are missing, but the new ones you can create.
And I think, I live in the perfect place to help me with that. While I miss my family and friends and some of the traditions I had before, I love these new ones I am slowly creating. Germany’s Christmas markets are simply gorgeous and still hold on to so much tradition of their own. My instagram will show a few photos from during the day, but it is so much more magical at night and this was my first time ever going in the evening and only the second time to ever go at all! Sadly though, I think it is harder for this unprofessional photographer to get good photos. Nonetheless, I hope you can see why I adore Christmas in Germany!
“Meat Street” literally translated as this was the street that many used to live on right next to the standard market.
So from this little girl and all the wonderful tradition she grew up with
To this grown woman and her wonderful husband and their little boy making new ones!
Wishing all my fellow expats a wonderful time of new traditions! xx
I think this time of year causes us to reflect on the year before, and the years before that, and with that naturally comes an element of nostalgia. Plus none of us have an actually working magic 8 ball to tell us what the future will hold (oh how I wish…). But, making new traditions is what it’s all about! Enjoy your time off, spend it with the loved ones in your life, and come into 2014 feeling all refreshed! That’s what I’m doing this holiday season!!
Wouldn’t a magic 8 ball be nice? Even if just with a limited number of uses!? That’s what I’m asking Santa for this year. Lol
I asked Santa for a crystal ball many years ago. He didn’t give me one - but a friend did! It didn’t really work, though, and I’m so glad, as I would have been looking forward to the future instead of living in the present. Enjoy the traditions you are creating with your husband and son! Merry Christmas from Norway!
Haha! Very true, Cindi, very true.
Hope you are having a lovely holiday so far and Merry CHristmas to you and yours!
It must be very hard to be away from your side of the family. *hugs
I so understand about Christmas and budget not getting along! We make do with what we have and I have realized that there are many things about Christmas that does not require a lot of money. There’s time off from work to spend with the kids, and family coming to visit us for the holidays, and a lot of snuggling in front of the TV watching Christmas movies!
Wishing you and your family a lovely Christmas!
Thank you <3
Exactly! The money plays a role only because you always want to do so much for your loved ones and especially the kiddos. But we have had so much fun just enjoying the festive season together. M actually has some time off coming so I couldn't be happier about that! WIshing you and your family a beautiful Christmas as well!
I love Gluehwein! Weihnachtsmaerkte are so lovely! It makes me remember studying in Vienna in college. Hope you can make some unique traditions for your family - no matter where you are living! We sort of struggle to invent our own traditions with our two children, while fitting into the busyness of our extended family gatherings. Usually the little things - looking at Christmas lights for example - are a lot of fun and big hits all around. Frohe Weihnachten!
Oh I love it too! Yummy! I haven’t found anything I don’t like yet though. haha! I hope you enjoy going down memory lane while following along! Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Aw, super cute! And your photos did it justice!
For me, ’tis the season to get the f*** out of Latvia for a while 
Happy Christmas to you and your family!
Glad you enjoyed the photos!
Haha! I don’t blame you! I hope you have a wonderful (and safe)
Christmas!
Lovely! You definitely do live in one of the most Christmassy countries! So happy to see you out there enjoying it
xo
Aww, thanks Sara! Hope you have a lovely holiday! xx
Love it! We’re in the middle of doing the same thing here, coming up with some new traditions for the holidays. But we’re also really missing family and the old traditions. I’m excited to think of what we can take with us when we go back home, though.
It’s hard to find a balance sometimes, but once you do, it will only get easier. For me, Germany is home so I have to constantly strive to try and include both cultures for my kiddo. Coming up with new is fun though!
Ha! We were at the Trier Weinachtsmarkt yesterday evening. I love Christmas over here as well. It always feels like it’s more about the festivities than the presents. Man, am I going to miss Germany!
That’s what I think as well. It always feels festive and more about tradition and less about commercialism. Awe I bet you will! But you will find things to love about your new home as well! Happy holidays!
You too!