Christmas fever everywhere

Merry Christmas - We4You Christmas party

December is a month of joy, happiness, presents and snow; and stress also. In this period everyone is rushing to put an end to the work related to this year in order to start fresh the new year to come. Through out the whole year people encounter both beautiful, happy and sad, heartrendering moments, and in December even though the atmosphere around might be pretty much the same as every year one always gets a feeling of enjoyment that is unique for that specific year. One will be proud of the small goals achieved and will draw new aspirations and resolutions for the next year to come. That is the way it goes. And as tradition allows, the festivity especially for Christmas is a big thing in Germany. Everyone who has had the opportunity to spend this period in Germany would agree to say that is a wonderful season. And it is all about eating and drinking gathered with family and friends. Up till now I have already attended three Christmas dinner-parties, where I have given and received presents. Spending delightful moments with people you like and care is a pleasant sentiment, in particular when each one is openhearted and smiling.

Christmas markets in Germany are one of the best places in this period. In Ilmenau unfortunately this market is open only for four days, but in Erfurt it’s bigger, more beautiful and it takes place longer.

Erfurt's Christmas market

Not to break the custom, I also went to Erfurt in the Christmas market with other students and friends, where we really enjoyed ourselves. We eat langos (traditional Hungarian food), handbrot (bread stuffed with cheese and other various ingredients), a lot of sorts of sweets and drank Glühwein (hot wine) all night long. The best thing was about to come: a ride on the Christmas wheel. For around five minutes we enjoyed the amazing view above the square, where lights of various colours shinning all over the place gave a marvelous look. The lighted giant cathedral on the side has a splendid position, making the place even more spectacular. Thousand of flashes rushed to capture the scene of the whole market in a miniature. The only thing missing is the snow, which truly reflexes the winter spirit. While walking around the city you percieve so many people in the streets that makes you wonder “Where are these people hiding during the whole year?”. Many of them rush to finish the daily duties (buying presents or else) and the others are just walking around the city center to have a drink or two with friends or family. Consumerism is at the highest rate in December, where you see shops full with people and people full with things on their hands waiting in line to pay. The moment you see the line you get discouraged in wanting to get something worrying about the time you will spend waiting in line rather than finding what you want/need.

Dinner with food from Indonesia, France, Peru, Macedonia and Germany

But the German efficiency won’t let you down. All the shops are prepared for this so they have more staff to respond to the clientele. However, no matter what is happening at the end everyone is happy, everyone is smiling at you and you don’t care anymore about the stress. After all you get a glühwein, you cheer and drink.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year dear friends and readers! I wish you joyful moments with your family and the people you care!