The Dos and Don'ts of Bringing Children to a Christmas Market

Do:

Get them a mug of Kinderpunsch (hot, non-alcoholic punch)

Point out the twinkly fairy lights, the Christmas tree and any other light effects

Make sure they at least try some of the delicious, sweet and savoury food on offer

Let them go on the carousel

Bring them to see the crib

Make sure they see the handcrafts on display

Explain what they should do in case they get separated from you

Remember that their eyes are much lower down than yours. They may only see peoples bags, elbows and the backs of jackets

Expect a few grumpy moments after the initial awe

Don't:

Let them out of your sight for a moment

Say "we're not staying long", unless you really aren't

Promise what you can't deliver. Check in advance what events are on, what is on display, etc. before you go, if possible

Let them touch the items on display at the stall. It could end up costing you a lot.

Drink too much mulled wine

Nostalic Christmas Decorations

I've spent the day getting Christmas sorted - the goose and other meats ordered, the presents bought and wrapped, the cards written and posted. I set myself a tough goal and I got through a surprisingly large number of the items on my to do list, but not everything.

Tomorrow we are buying the tree and I had hoped to root out all the decorations in the cellar. But time just hasn't allowed for that. I had to tick off other equally important items like listening to Micheal Buble's  Christmas album and drinking mulled wine while revising my list. 

We have a big selection of decorations that has been built up over the years - Newbridge silver gifts, blue and white ceramic baubles from a trip to Amsterdam, Villeroy and Boch glass mistletoe pendants, as well as several pieces from Christmas markets. 

This weekend, the collection was added to with a couple of lovely nostalgic pieces from the Christmas market in Regensburg, Bavaria. My dad was visiting and treated his older two grandsons to their choice of decoration each from a stall with a huge and varied selection of nostalgic decorations.

Number One chose a cute little squirrel while Number Two chose about five different things before settling on an igloo. 

I love that they didn't go straight for the snowmen or Santas. And I'm relieved that they didn't opt for the fire engines or police cars. 

I was so busy taking it all in, I completely neglected to buy anything for myself. I did put my eye on this gorgeous deer, although he is rather large for hanging on a tree. 

Just look at the colours! Not to everyone's taste, I imagine, but they are so vibrant and eye-catching, aren't they? 

They remind me of the delicate baubles my parents had when I was very small. One would always break, either being hung or being taken down on Little Christmas. Fingers crossed the squirrel and the igloo with survive a few Christmases!

Hitting The Christmas Markets

It may be a bit quiet here on the blog for the next week or so. The Christmas markets have started and as a result we will have a steady stream of visitors over from home to visit them.  

Soon I'll be sharing photos and tips for any of you who may want to plan a trip for next year. Germany's Christmas markets really are a highlight and one of the best ways to get into the festive mood. 

Getting all your Christmas shopping done while surrounded by twinkly lights, the scent of cinnamon and vanilla in the air, a mug of mulled wine in one hand and a bratwurst in the other - for me the magic hasn't faded yet. I hope it never will.