A very German Christmas

People warned us that if we weren't intentional about celebrating Christmas, everyday life in Morocco can make it seem as if Christmas doesn't even really happen.  Not wanting to miss out on Christmas goodies---- and, at the same time, wanting to take advantage of our close proximity to Europe--- we spent Christmas in Germany with good family friends.  We are incredibly grateful to the Mann family for their love, their home, their food, and their hospitality. 

What have we always said is the most important thing?  Family.  And breakfast.

Ursula and Klaus picked us up at the airport with a "Welcome Pete and Britt!" sign and had a champagne toast waiting for us at the house.  That's just where the hospitality began.  The next day, as Ursula whipped up a delicious feast (including many pork-related treats that are hard to come by in Morocco) while Klaus took us on a tour of a nearby mountain, castle, and Roman bath ruins. 

Pete and Klaus explore the castle.

 

 

The view from the mountain.  Past the Black Forest you can see the Alps!

 

Klaus is a very good tour guide.

The next day, we took a trip into Frieburg to check out the local Christmas Markets and to exlore the beautiful Munster Cathedral.   Six years ago, I came to visit Ursula, Klaus, and their son, Ramon, and I spent most of my time in Freiburg with Ramon.  It was fun to be reacquainted with the city.

Just as lovely as I remembered it.

By Christmas Eve, the whole family was together.  We enjoyed a feast of raclette, opened presents together, and made our way to midnight mass (thankfully, at the reasonable hour of 10pm).  Pete and I felt so lucky to be part of the family on this special holiday. 

Henna is still going strong!

 

Ramon and grandma, looking adorable.

Typical Christmas scene.

The ladies sporting their artisan-made Moroccan scarves from Zajal Designs!

All in all, if we had to be away from our families, there was no better way to do it.  Being in Germany with these wonderful people made Christmas feel just as it should: a season full of love and joy, peace and hope.   We hope yours was just as lovely.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to our favorite Germans!