ADVENT --- Second to Third

There's so much going on, and at the same time, so many hours of waiting.  Contradictions seem to define our lives right now.

On Second Advent, our family from Ohlendorf came to visit the Christmas Market, and we got to go along!  It's not such a long tradition, really, but for Amina, it is written in stone.

The calendar this year meant that Second Advent was a bit earlier in December which meant getting the tree up earlier.  Buying the tree and getting it in the house is easy-peasy.  The gardener just outside our back door has lovely trees, and shopping in the snow makes it fun - and getting it home a breeze - one in front, one in back, walk.

But I couldn't get all the decorating done before Amina arrived, which turned out to be a good thing.  She had a great time looking at all the ornaments, asking questions and finding just the right place on the tree for each one.

Then off to the Market!  Bratwurst!  Mulled wine!  Rides!  It's the same every year, but that's what traditions are all about.  Now Amina has the third different mug from the Christmas market - a complete set.

There was still a bit of snow on the ground but frankly we all agreed it was pleasantly cold instead of nasty cold.  And of course it was fun - part of which is running to get the train!

After a hearty breakfast, we sauntered up to the little local Christmas Market here in Vegesack where they've put up an ice rink.  Cool!  Amina couldn't wait to go and Mom and Dad were game to skate along.  Me, not so much.  My last skating event was when I broke my elbow.  And that was the last.  I'm happy to cheer from the sidelines now.

We said goodbye and promised to visit their Christmas tree in Ohlendorf.  We will, and it will be a first.

Then it was Monday!  Platjenwerbers!  Christmas Fest!

Talk about traditions --- these folks take the cake.  There is the candelabra from Christiane and the luminaries from Anneliese and the Christmas Crackers and flute playing from Brigitte and Jutta (and usually Lisa, too, but unfortunately she was sick) and the Yogi tea from Helena and so on from each person.  I get to be different each year because they ask every year for something "American."  HA!  This year they got Spanikopita.  How American is that!?  But it was yummy. We sing carols and pop our crackers and read the silly riddles and jokes.

                    Why don't bananas sunbathe? 
                    Because they'd peel!!  

Often, as you can imagine, I have to explain the jokes. Sometimes it's funny and sometimes it's a groan.  Sometimes they just don't get it at all, but that's fun too.  So it goes.

And suddenly it is 3rd Advent. Too much too fast.We haven't finished our Christmas tasks!

We've been caring a lot for Werner's mother, newly in the nursing home.  We visit almost daily and try to help with the transition, but transitions for folks in their mid-90s are not so easy.  So on this 3rd Advent weekend we were glad to have no special events and just sit back, just a bit.

Except for the bathroom. But more on that later.