Monthly Archives: December 2008
Zwischen Den Jahren
It is on my windowsill now, because I happened upon it while looking for something else. Placing it in full view is the desperate attempt not to forget it when the right moment comes. Again. My ”Bleigiessen” set contains one … Continue reading
Filed under typical german
Christmas next to the stable
“Today, the typical German Christmas takes place on the Autobahn (motorway).” When Francesca looked inquiringly, I added, “Everybody is driving from one fraction of the family to the other. I wonder why there isn´t a collapsable car tree yet.” Everybody … Continue reading
Filed under World
O Tannenbaum
“Why don´t you have a Christmas tree yet?” Francesca asked, looking around my living room. “In Germany we don´t put up a Christmas tree before Christmas eve”, I said. Only when Francesca looked at me as if for the first … Continue reading
Filed under World
What I found on the Feldberg
This is Frankfurt, Germany, 2008. It is Tuesday morning. I am on the way to the library’s cafeteria, my office and intend to hold a writing session with whoever else of the writing group turns up. I see their heads … Continue reading
Filed under World
Christmas cookies – Yes, I do
“Why do you call them Christmas cookies”, Francesca asked when we munched `Ausstecherle` yesterday. “Because we only eat them on Christmas and the weeks before.” “But why do you only eat them for Christmas? They are so delicious, you could … Continue reading
Filed under typical german
Card or Cookie
Something made me feel slightly off balance as I shopped for my groceries, something that I caught from the corner of my eye, but I was too busy and rushed to take time to put my finger on it. Only … Continue reading
Filed under Germany
Nikolaus was here
“Why don’t we celebrate Nikolaus too”, I whined. This first-grader had discovered that her German friends were leaving boots in front of their bedroom doors at night, expecting to find them filled with treats on the morning of the 6th … Continue reading
Filed under Germany
Save the Nikolaus – or better not?
“Did you know there is an initiative to save the St. Nikolaus by declaring Santa Claus free zones?” I asked Francesca increduously. “They even have papersheets where you can cut out a Nikolaus to pull it over a chocolate Santa … Continue reading
Filed under typical german
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