Christmas in a Home away from Home

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Luckily for us, our flight was going out of the only airport that had remained open even with all the snow, and we had no problems with out flight (well it was a little delayed, but it did take off!). We were greeted at the airport by Datelef (a cousin on my Grandma’s side), and his adorable daughter Victoria. Datelef is a baker, and works for a company that supplies baking products worldwide, so he travels a lot. We have met him many times in Canada, so it was nice to now be able to meet him on his side of the world. Back at his house, his wife Birgit had prepared a lovely German brunch for us (lots of breads, meats, and cheeses), and we were joined there by Datelef’s parents as well. After the stress that happened over the last 2 days, it was so nice now to relax with family, good food, and nothing to worry about.

That evening they took us into town to show us around a bit, and show us their town’s Christmas market! Haha you know how I love those.

The next few days were lovely and relaxing and filled with good German food. Germans celebrate their Christmas on the 24th, which is when they have their big dinner and all their family over. It was lovely to celebrate Christmas with family even though we were soo far from home. We had a very nice evening. Oh and are you wondering what we ate for a German Christmas dinner? Haha what we had is very traditional for Birgit’s family, and is very simple (so no one has to spend hours in the kitchen): sausages and beetroot salad. That’s it. But it was very yummie and filling! Oh and of course there was stollen, gluwhein and other German treats.

Datelef, Birgit, and Victoria then left the next day, the 25th, for a skiing holiday (a Christmas present from Birgit’s parents). They left us in the hands of Detlet’s parents for the next 2 days, and we had a lovely time with them… even though they do NOT speak any English, and we do NOT speak any German. Haha it was an interesting few days that is for sure! Filled with lots of sharades, body language, and 2 very useful hand-held electronic translators. 😉

It was then time for us to head back to England and to get ready for our next set of visitors: our cousin Stephanie, and Steve’s friend Emily.

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