We woke up to snowfall Friday morning and what a fabulous way to get into the holiday spirit. The snow fell in large flakes in the morning, so the girls were able to enjoy it during their school breaks, but it melted by the afternoon.
Saturday, we hopped a train to Stuttgart to meet up with the Dagefoerde family. We had our own compartment for us to enjoy our lunch and the journey. The train's view was gorgeous and peaceful with the fresh snowfall in the forest. However, about 45 minutes south of Frankfurt there was no snow, but the sun was shining. We arrived in Stuttgart on time and walked around the Christmas market with Nele, Jonas, and Finja looking at the different wooden items for sale amongst other numerous gifts. We also stopped to enjoy some Gluhwein and Kinderpunch.
In the afternoon, we went to Esslingen. It brought back many good memories of living there a few years ago. After a rest at the Dagefoerde's home, we explored the Middle Age Market. They have candles and torches lit in the evening amongst their wooden stands, serve food made in wooden ovens or over an open flame, and sell items related to the era. To top our evening off, we enjoyed some fried apple rings and then some more seasonal beverages. The girls feel asleep as we were on our train from Frankfurt to Hofheim.
Sunday morning at church, our family was asked to do a reading and light the first candle of Advent during the family service. After a few Christmas hymns, we were called up to the front. Adeline started the reading about Hope and Eric finished it. An additional candle is lit during each subsequent week. By the fourth Sunday all of the candles will be lit except for the middle one, which will be lit on Christmas, celebrating Jesus's birth. There are many beautiful advent wreaths around town to celebrate this occasion as the advent wreath is big tradition practiced here.
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