Räuchermänchen and Visitors - Christmas Season 2005

Christmastime is especially unique in Germany. Things seem to move at a different pace - with a lot less rushing as in the States. The christmas markets - with their small huts selling ornaments, sausage, and mulled red wine - create a special atmosphere that I love.

Below are a few of the traditional German 'Räuchermänchen' (smoking men). You put a small incense block in their bellies, light it, and the smoke leaves the men through a hole in their mouths. It is simple, but very cool.


Mirja and Thomas also visited us, and we went to the world famous Nürnberg Christmas markets. If you ever get a chance to visit us during the Christmas season, this is one of the 'must do's'.

A black and white of one of the huts selling sweets - everything from gingerbread cookies to fruitcake to sweet almonds.


Unlike previous years, we actually brought our car to buy our christmas tree (instead of carrying it for miles). Thomas helped me put it up, and we decorated it together.

It is a bit unusual for Germans to put up a tree so early in December...but, as an American, I can get away with it, and our neighbors already think I'm wierd anyway.