2nd Advent

Advent is very much celebrated in Germany.   Every family has a wreath with four candles to represent the four Sundays or four weeks before Christmas.  One candle is lit the first week, two the next, and so on.  For Germans, Advent is all about being with family, eating Christmas cookies, and singing.  We thoroughly enjoying this tradition and are embracing it with ease.   

This second Advent Grandma and Grandpa Lochhead came to visit. We spent the weekend at Christmas markets, eating delicious food, and enjoying the Christmas season.

Every year Burgdorf's main church puts on an advent performance.  This year the performance had a choir with all the local members of this Protestant church, musicians, and a children's choir.  It was lovely.

I absolutely love these stars.  They are everywhere.  I've seen them mainly in churches or in the church bell towers. 

Children held candles and had a procession into the church while singing a Christmas song.

The church has their own Advent wreath, which is the purpose of the photo below.  Even in Matthew and Chrissie's kindergarten they have an advent wreath that they light everyday at reading time.  

Burgdorf's Christmas market

comes only one weekend in December.

2nd Advent Sunday:

The next six photos are courtesy of Chrissie.   A few candid shots of our Sunday afternoon.  She also wanted to take pictures of "Christmas-y" things.

Once nap time ended, we lit candles, sang songs, and had a delicious dinner.  The dinner was entirely prepared by Rick.  I grew up where every Sunday my Dad cooked dinner.  Since having more free time, Rick has taken to this tradition and is doing exceptionally well.  

   

Happy Second Advent!