Holiday spirit
Hello out there!
Christmas is fast approaching, too fast in my opinion and Berlin is braced for impact. Nearly every main square, or large boulevard, converts by night to Christmas cheer in the form of Christmas bazaars. Mini cities of white tents and shouting vendors, touting their wares, light up the night and Berlin cityscape. Beyond the endless amounts of sweet Gluehwein, or spiced wine as I believe we English speakers dub it, eager and excited spenders can buy nearly anything their hearts desire. From woodcarvings, crystal ornaments, candied apples, and roasted chestnuts, to cake, rum, scented soaps, and tickets to major Christmassy venues, buyers can drunkenly frolic from bazaar to bazaar and forget how much time and money they've spent over the course of the evening.
The other night, I visited one such Christmas bazaar and have to say that I enjoyed myself. I say this only, because I've usually been quite disappointed with Christmas bazaars in the past. Naturally though, the company makes all the difference and surrounded by appreciative and excited friends from Spain, Italy, Germany, France, and Greece, I honestly had a smashing good time. I'm sure though, that the Rum contributed in its own way... Finally, the fact that the Berlin winter hasn't been too excruciating made the evening all the more enjoyable.
Now... It's important that I get to work on my Christmas shopping. How are you all coming with that?
I feel like it was mid-November just a few days ago, now I'm worried about whether, or not I'll find the "perfect" gifts for those few "good-kids" on my list. Suggestions are always hugely appreciated.
Frohe Weihnachten!
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