First Advent

Ah, no wreath this year.  We opted for four candles on a tray with random greenery.  I think it will change a bit in the next four weeks, and that's OK. Meanwhile the first candle is lit and a light breakfast - a fruit salad with North Sea shrimp - is enough - because later there'll be a feast.

Some years, this was a realllllly big event - three sets of grandparents, cousin, great-grandma, godmother.  And as you all know, René can put on a food show - 12, 14 people to sit down and eat? No prob.  There have been some fabulous meals.

But years pass and things change.  Monika and Lex have moved to Curaçao. Rima's parents were in Lebanon visiting relatives for two months.  Mutti /Grandmother / Great-grandmother has left us.  Cousin Ruth was not feeling well.  We shrunk the family!!  Only five of us this year, but that doesn't mean we celebrate any less.

Rima had decorated.  She always does, and she does it well.

We brought stuff, too.  Some dishes of Mutti's that go well with their set.  And Mutti's solitaire set of hand-fashioned marbles.  Every little kid in the family - including Hunter and Hannah - have played with this game!  So retro - but so attracting and attractive.  Everyone wants a turn!

Then it's time.  Dinner.  Dining.  Delicious.

Soup.

Then of course I forget to take pics because I am so busy eating!  Instead of the whole duck, this year we had breast of duck.  But with all the traditional accompaniments - red cabbage and boiled potatoes and yummy gravy. My diet was minimally set back since I was so restrained!

Picture-taking fun was on the menu, too!

Next weekend, the trio will be here for a visit to the Christmas market in Bremen.  More fun in store!