One of the most difficult things about living so far from home is getting into the holiday spirit.  I didn’t get that critical Martha-Stewart-origami-ornament gene so I generally need some kind of catalyst to get me in the Christmas mood.

Luckily, the great country of Germany has just the kick in the butt I need:  the Christmas Markets.

My adopted country is well-known for a few things:  its castles, its beer and its annual orgy of holiday markets.  These markets, called Weihnachtsmarkts or Christkindlmarkts, draw tourists from across Europe to celebrate the season in style.

You can find a Christmas market in just about every city and town, and their history dates back to medieval times.  The markets were held to sell seasonal items and give families the ability to get the necessities for holiday gifts and feasts.  Today, with dozens of stalls selling everything from mittens to bongs, you can be sure to find something even for that impossible-to-shop-for person on your Christmas list.

I think my Grandma is going to be pleasantly surprised this year.

The markets are also fantastic for children.  Crowds, fair rides, chocolate-covered everything, holiday chotchkies and Saint Nick?  What more could your average tot ask for?  And with gluehwein for Mama, letting your child eat themselves into a fair food coma seems like a totally awesome trade.

We usually hit one big city Weihnachtsmarkt each year.  This year we went to Mainz, home of one of Germany’s most famous cathedrals.  Chet got to check out the Dom, win a huge zebra, ride Donald Duck a few times and eat his weight in pumpkin soup.  He was thrilled.

But equally as important, I got that critical infusion of Christmas spirit I needed.  And with two weeks more of incessant holiday music and ugly Reindeer sweaters, that may just be the best present I can give my son.

December 15th, 2008 | by Kayt Sukel 3 comments