>> ✨ Christmas at Home 🎄 Let's be real: Family Time is the Greatest Gift. ❤️

                                                  

Hello everyone, 

First of all, I would like to say that I am deeply saddened by the recent events at the Magdeburg Christmas market in my home state of Sachsen-Anhalt. In these dark times, a Christmas market is usually one of the few places for peaceful and cozy gatherings with family and friends. So many times I have spoken so highly of the Christmas markets in Germany to those who asked me about my home country. If you have ever been, you know it is a special atmosphere. Less commercial and more about a sense of real life community and togetherness, especially in the smaller towns. Sadly, some even want to take this from us. My condolences to all those affected.

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I wrote this only a few days ago: As the year is coming to an end and I am preparing for my annual Christmas trip back home to Germany it is a good time to reflect on what really matters. In uncertain times like these, I would say safety and security are on top of the wish list for most of us. We all want to build something meaningful for our personal future and spend our time effectively. I also think sometimes it is important to take a break, take a step back and ask ourselves what we are actually chasing. Is this what we really want, or is it something we feel we should want based on competitive thinking or societal pressure to conform, but in our heart of hearts, we know is not the right path for us? This is why I believe, it is important to think and decide for yourself based on your own inner compass and individual goals, what is the right thing for you to do. I have come to realize that priorities change over time.

Another thing I've been thinking about and I know it is a sensitive topic, but are we all going to act like the lockdown never happened? I must say I find it surprising that not more people seem to feel the need to talk about what took place worldwide from 2020 - 2022. I personally still feel the need to process it. I have asked many people I have met where and how they had spent that time. This whole lockdown situation was rough. I am just so thankful that I was able to be with my family during all of this. How many others did not get the chance to. I don't know what I would have done without them. I have heard about a UK family that went on vacation to Asia shortly before the travel ban was put into place and they had to stay there the whole time. I have heard many different stories. As an expatriate I came to the conclusion that I will probably always feel torn between my home country and a country that is offering me great opportunities, where I can live more freely without constant limits and restrictions.

Thank you for everything London but I need a break

While I am flexible when it comes to what will eventually be the right place for me, I have one other country in mind. London is a good location because while it is very international, it is not far from home. If you have ever wondered what we eat in Germany for Christmas, in my area, it looks something like what you can see in the photo below. These are Klöße mit Rotkraut. I believe Internationally, they are called dumplings but dumplings are NOT Klöße at least in my humble opinion. And while I am not the best cook - I am able to make this. Ok to put it together and heat it up. 😊 Another expat problem that came up recently, is that in 2022 they brought back the flight connection London - Leipzig which I was really happy about and use frequently. A few months ago it was announced that next year they want to cancel it again. Why? And why does the Eurostar not go to Germany - that would be so helpful. I actually enjoy train journeys in non-crowded trains. It is a more relaxed way of traveling and there are some landscapes to see. So many questions.. so few answers. 

Typical Christmas meal in my area. (example)

In Germany, Christmas is on the 24th of December. For me it means family time, dog walks, movies, conversations, festive food and probably too much chocolate and Lebkuchen. What a year it has been. What a challenging time it was when I came back to London in 2022. The world after the lockdown was just not the same in many ways. Real life human connection and interaction is a basic human need. No app, like or heart button can ever replace it, regardless of what the tech billionaire company owners are trying to make you believe. I am sure that personally, they are not using their own apps because they appreciate a higher quality of life. 🎄 See I don't really care if what I do is considered to be cool or not. I decide for myself, if a 'great new invention' is actually improving my life or not. I decline to use it, if it is leading me to negativity, hatred and isolation. I prefer being uncool and much happier. I am not a teenager anymore and I am under no obligation to do what everyone does. I hope you will have a nice Christmas time too. Thank you for stopping by here today and may your heater work well during this cold season. However, let me tell you, nowhere can it be colder than in Toronto, Canada during winter. So let's take a moment to appreciate all the things we DO have. It is a lot. ✨

Lebkuchen, a traditional German gingerbread-like treat, traces its origins 

back to Bavaria, Germany