Seventeen

Our dear son turned 17 last week!  He is growing into a very fine young man for which we are so thankful. We are also thankful for his group of friends.  They are a great bunch of guys!  Here are a few of them, about to devour the birthday cake...

The Tree

A short distance from our home begins a walk that is always a favourite with us.  It is an easy walk, perfect for chatting and walking at the same time.  It leads to the castle ruins above Loerrach.  We do love to wander around the ruin but when the kids were young the favourite part always seemed to be "The Tree".  Today was no exception.  The castle was closed, but the tree (or maybe I should say, "it's roots") still held its pull.

Another Year...

Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
In working or in waiting, another year with Thee.
Another year of progress, another year of praise,
Another year of proving Thy presence all the days.

Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace,
Another year of gladness in the shining of Thy face;
Another year of leaning upon Thy loving breast;
Another year of trusting, of quiet, happy rest.

Another year of service, of witness for Thy love,
Another year of training for holier work above.
Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
On earth, or else in Heaven, another year for Thee.

Words: Frances Havergal, 1874. Music: Samuel Wesley, 1864

Christmas

Christmas Eve Celebrations began with the candlelight service in our church. I especially enjoyed hearing Lindsey and her friend Jillian sing together.

After Church we came home to our traditonal meal of Varenikje....YUM!  

We invited friends to share this special evening with us.

 Danny's niece, Katie, has been studying here in Germany so we are glad to have her join us for Christmas!

Being away from family at Christmas allows us the privilege of having friends to share to Christmas with.  The Leavitts have become like family to us and we have celebrated many Christmases together!

Christmas Markets

Christmas markets are deeply woven in the traditional cloth of German Christmas.  Every city has one and the bigger ones runs through the whole Advent season.  The wooden booths fill the city square and all manner of gifts and food can be found.  It has become part of our Christmas tradtion as well, to visit at least one market and enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes.  This year we visited several markets enjoying each one. The first market we visited was in Dresden.  This market was being held this year for the 577th time.  That is quite the tradition.  It was a very lovely market.  The wooden booths were quite decorated and many of the were selling tradtional wooden Christmas decorations.  These booths were my favourite.  Dresden is famous for its Stollen and we had some chances to taste the real Dresden kind - delicious!

  On our way home from Dresden we stopped in Nuernberg to take a peek at the famous Christkindlmarkt there...

One of the most unusual and beautiful markets that we visited was held in the Ravennaschlucht near Freiburg.  It was only a short drive - less than an hour - but in that distance we left rainy and dreary Holzen behind and drove up into a snowy wonderland.  This market was set up under the train bridge and tucked away into a an opening in the woods.  Lights were used to make everything look quite magical.

O Christmas Tree

 Searching for the right tree.

 Mistletoe

 Will it fit in the car?  No problem.

We get our tree from a local man.  He cuts them from his property and brings them onto his little "hof".  We love to go and get our tree there and then bring it home to cover with our decorations collected over the years.

The Advent Season

Christmas in Germany is gentle and magical. Houses and villages are decorated with white lights, candles, and pine branches. 

Advent is celebrated and the 4 Sundays are counted.  

You can buy wreaths ready made or make one like I did.