Home for the Holidays!

It is so nice to be home in Pennsylvania for Christmastime. We finished decorating the tree last night and I'm enjoying the chance to sleep in and eat some American food.

Christmastime is here!

While I was really enjoying Christmastime in Germany there really is no place like home for the holidays. I will be in the US until January 2nd and then will fly back to Basel to be ready for school to start again on January 7th. As much as I love my students, it is so nice to have a break and to reflect upon the last 4 months I have had in Germany. I am hoping to feel refreshed and ready to return after these 2 weeks.

My students acting out the story of "The Mitten" by Jan Brett last week. The blanket was the mitten!

I'm also looking forward to seeing some family and friends during my time in the States. I can't wait to see The Hobbit, watch American football, spend time reading, and to go hiking.

What a wonderful time to celebrate Christ's birth together!

 

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Isaiah 9:6

Christmas Markets

In the last few weeks it has been fun to go and explore the various Christmas Markets in the area. Several of the bigger cities in the area have sections designated for Christmas booths that sell different kinds of crafts and goods for the Christmas season. Each one is so unique and the crafts and art are so cool to see! I have had lots of fun going around and taking it all in. Here are some pictures from the various places I have been able to visit.

 

View of the lovely houses in Colmar, France.

 


Christmas market booths in Colmar, France

 


Lots of people shopping

 


Yummy treats from the market. It has been fun to try new things!

 


Christmas tree in the marketplace in Basel, Switzerland

 


Some shoppers at the market in Basel

 


Lots of unique gifts!!

 


Sarah picking out some ornaments for presents in Freiburg

 

View of the market in Frieburg, Germany at night!
 

Handmade houses from the Black Forest!

 

Beautiful lanterns on display at the Freiburg market

It has been fun to see the Christmas preparations and decortaions here in Germany. However, I am looking forward to retunring home to Pennsylvania to celebrate Christmas with family and friends. I leave this Wednesday and appreciate your prayers for safe travels!

 

Merry Christmas from Germany!

Frohe Weihnachten aus Deutschland!

Lots of Updates!

The Season of Advent has Begun!
I am enjoying celebrating the Christmas season here in Germany. From Christmas markets, to singing carols, fun traditions, and beautiful decorations there is so much to see and do.
It's been a while since I have posted about what has been happening and I have several fun events that I want to share with you.

Last Thursday was St. Nikolaus Tag at our school. This is a tradition in Germany that is celebrated each year on December 6th. On this day the students put their shoes outside of the classroom door and St. Nikolaus comes and fills it with yummy treats for their good behavior.
At our school the moms helped to gather the goodies for the kids and fill the shoes while we are in class. Then, a bell rang and we went to the window to see St. Nikolaus waving to the kids and wishing them Merry Christmas! Then the kids go see what St. Nikolaus/the moms left in their shoes!
It was lots of fun!


Watching St. Nikolaus out the window

St. Nikolaus waving from the front of our school!



Bags of treats shoved in the student's shoes

So excited that St. Nikolaus came :)

Yummy baked and chocolate treats to eat.

Friday was our Elementary Christmas Concert. The students learned lots of Christmas songs and performed short skits leading to the real meaning of the Christmas story. They worked so hard to learn the words and motions of many songs and to memorize their lines for the play. After the performance the students and their families came to the classroom for a time of eating Christmas treats and visiting with one another. It was so special to interact with the students and their families and to celebrate together. Here are some photos from the night!

Singing German Christmas songs with the CSK teachers

Students grades 1-5 singing together

The second graders performing their skit.

Lots of people in the classroom afterward to celebrate!

Congratulating the students after a great performance!

Such a special time together.

More Christmastime stories to come!!