It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

December is probably the best time of the year. I love Christmas and it will not surprise anybody that Christmas in Austria is just wonderful. This year we are looking forward to white a Christmas. I left Durban last week and even though I appreciate our lovely warm temperatures, December is only real for me with cold weather. But it is not only the weather, it is such a different tradition, that I have been brought up. We decorate our houses and gardens and because it is getting dark soon all the lights create a lovely atmosphere. The smell of firs, and cinnamon, the Christmas bakery, there is much more that makes this time of the year so special. We have Christmas markets where we meet friends and enjoy hot drinks, Punch is my favourite. There are Christmas carols played and the spirit of peace unites people in a unique way. Yes I am in love with all the habits and I get so excited to think about the presents I have bought and how to make beautiful parcels and to see the happy faces. Celebrating with the family and sharing this time means a lot to me. In my family we created a habit to write a little letters with every present, telling why we bought this and what makes the present special. I am sure you all know that the song Silent Night is coming from Austria but maybe you do not know all the beautiful songs that are part of Christmas in Austria. My favourite is “Leise rieselt der Schnee” it means “Silent snowflakes are falling down”. Yes, it sounds a bit crazy to be so in love with tradition but normally my life is so busy that I probably need this time out in a different world. I will take some pictures so that you can see what I am talking about.