~ christmas eve ~
Today I received an unexpected package in the mail: these lovely earrings from the
very talented and equally lovely Denise. This was such a beautiful surprise,
thank you so much Denise!
Christmas Eve is the big day in Germany. If I was there we would soon be getting ready to go my aunt and uncle’s house, where the family would gather and eat fondue and play trivial pursue (the women always lose, it’s shameful!) Around 10pm we would attend the Christmas service at the local church and even though I am somewhat of an agnostic I have always loved going to church on Christmas Eve. It always carries such a calming and hopeful serenity for me. After the service my mother, my siblings and I would drive home and have our own gift giving under the tree. As a child we would not see the tree until that moment! Many Germans only get the tree on the morning of the 24th and the children are not allowed into the room with the tree until the evening. This used to be a highly anticipated event for me: the kids stood lined up by age in the hallway until we would hear the ring of a little bell, our cue to enter the living room. And there it stood in all it’s glory, the beautifully decorated tree, gleaming in the warm light of real tree candles, Christmas music playing in the background. I still get goosebumps just thinking about it; those are some of the happiest memories of my childhood.
And because this is our Christmas Day I am celebrating with my German friends in Canada today. The presents are wrapped, the bubbly packed, I just need to shower and get dressed and make my way across the border. I won’t be having too much bubbly though, as I am working a 24-hour shift tomorrow. Like last year I volunteered so that my staff could enjoy the day with their families and then on Saturday my husband arrives and I cannot wait to see him again, and to spend some much needed loving time together. I am still feeling a little bruised from the emotional events this week but today I am also feeling much peace and love. Because in the end that is all that matters, isn’t it? Love.
Wishing all of you a peaceful and merry Christmas, may it be filled with lots of love and laughter xo
Kerstin, I keep doing my usual thing of starting to write a comment on your heartfelt posts – many of which strike such a chord with me, and then, when it’s become a tome, abandoning it… All I really want to say is that I think that all the wonderful seeds that have been planted en route the odyssey that’s been 2009, will flourish and bear fruit in 2010 and I wish that for you above all else! Thinking of you, at Christmas as always, with much love K xx
I wish you a merry Christmas from Germany. Unfortunately it´s raining over here. I just returned from my parents house and I had to smile when I read your text as I really saw the Christmas tree tonight the first time ;o) Dinner was in my flat and the gift giving was traditional under the tree at my parents house. We spent a wonderful evening, chatting and enjoying our gifts. Now I am back home and watch the also traditional movie “Ist das Leben nicht schön?” Let´s see if I can manage to finish it…I am quite tired.
Wish you good and fast 24hrs for your shift and even better and slow hours with your husband afterwards! Merry Christmas!
I just logged onto your blog to send you a little message. What a surprise to see my creation within your creation!! You are so welcome my friend. I just wanted to tell you I can’t listen to your cd without singing along and dancing a little. I am being “quiet” (not at all quiet — music turned up / dvd movie rentals piled up / wine is corked / candles lit / dog looking at me sideways / party of one!) by myself this holiday with the anticipation of meeting up with Michael in Portland on the 26th and heading to the coast for a few quiet days together. Glad to hear you will be with yours soon too!
ENJOY!!!!
I hope you’ll be home soon tucked safely in bed if not already. It’s just after 8:00 am here on Christmas morning and I am finally having a quiet moment to visit some of my favorite blogs and leave a comment. I’ve been in the background reading your posts and thinking about the changes you’ve been making. Have a lovely visit with your husband in a few days and a safe 24 hours making Christmas merry for other people. It’s so kind that you do that for your employees.
Kirsten, your description of Christmas with your family in Germany, was very similar to what our Christmas Eve celebrations were like; with small changes here and there. I hope you have a wonderful time with your friends. All the warmest of thoughts being sent your way.
Merry Christmas! I love this colorful post. Those tulips are so lovely… and the thoughtful pkg with earrings inside is ~bliss!