Sweets are also a major part of the holiday tradition here, too. The Germans will frequently buy or bake Lebkuchen, a style of fluffy cookie similar to gingerbread. I got the chance last week to try Zimtsterne (cinnamon stars) as well, which included cinnamon, almonds, and a thin layer of icing on top. Many of these cookies are included in the tradition of baking Plätzchen, which are small homemade cookies that a family can bake together. My roommates and I baked some of those last night, and I am spending the day trying not to eat too many of them.
There are plenty of hot, delicious beverages to buy at the Weihnachtsmarkt as well. Glühwein or mulled wine is popular, along with Kinderpunsch, its non-alcoholic version. Wine or juice is mixed with cinnamon, spices, and sometimes other fruit juices, then heated. These ingredients and this process result in a delicious, hot beverage that warms the belly. Hot cider and hot cocoa are popular, as well, much like as they are in the United States. People can gather at the markets on weekends to meet up with friends and go shopping. The market is often full of friendly groups of people gathered in tight groups, as they sip on hot beverages. The whole event is very festive and cozy.
I will be leaving in a couple of days to fly home for the holidays, though. I love the time I can spend in Germany, but there is no replacement for the time I can spend with my family. I will be catching a bus in my town that will take me all the way to Cologne, where I originally started. From there, I will take a short train trip to Düsseldorf, about an hour away. Finally, I will board a plane bound for Atlanta, where I will catch another plane headed to Charleston.
