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Published: December 12th 2007
Here it is serious holiday time in Europe. When we were planning our trip we had the option to return home before the holidays but decided that it would be a great opportunity to enjoy a different way of celebrating if we stayed through mid January. Christmas time in Europe is so beautiful with all of the lights and particularly with all of the Christmas markets.
Last week marked the beginning of Hanukkah. The girls and I fashioned a menorah together and we found candles so we were able to light the lights and sing. Unfortunately we didn't have any matzo meal to make potato latkes, but we reminded ourselves it is the oil that is the important part of the tradition. Emma heard fried and immediately suggested falafel and frites from the local frituur which worked as our new traditional Hanukkah meal.
Last week also brought St. Nicholas Day. Here at the Begijnhof they organized a special visit from St. Nicholas and Zwarte Piet. They paraded down the cobblestones by torch light and it was really cool. Once inside they called all of the children up individually and handed out candy. St. Nicholas Day is very popular in
Our homemade Menorah
The girls helping Daddy light the candles for Hanukkah.Belgium with most children receiving the majority of gifts on this morning. Traditionally children leave their shoes by the fireplace and before bed sing up the chimney a Flemish version of "Santa Claus is Coming to Town". The girls loved doing this and really loved waking up to shoes overflowing with chocolates. We are still working off the sugar high!
This weekend marked the beginning of the Christmas Market here in Leuven. The whole square in front of the KU Library is covered in little wooden stands with crafts and yummy foods to snack on. Monday the girls and I took visiting friends Maura and Bill into Brussels where the city was all lit up. We wandered around the market picking up little things at the stands while feasting on smoutebollen (fried dough balls with powdered sugar) and Gluhwein (a warm mulled wine that is fantastic and makes every holiday complete!). There is an ice rink set up, but I opted to skip that and wait for Jonathan so I would have an extra pair of hands. Abigail and Eliza did score a ride on a very surreal carousel and we all rode a huge ferris wheel to incredible
Candy filled Shoes
Abigail was smart and put out her biggest shoes (her boots) to be filled in the night! views of the city. As we wandered back to the train station via the Grote Markt we were treated to an amazing light and music show (see the video clip above the photos below) completing our very festive day in the big city!
Happy Holidays!!!
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barbara Negron
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The Lights
The town hall in Brussels never looked so beautiful. I am sure you will never forget your time spent in Belgium.