Coastberries

It's the Saturday before the first Sunday of Advent, Christmas time is now beginning. And even though this time of Advent does not have the same meaning here, it does for me. Growing up Advent was a beautiful time with candles, the first Christmas cookies, Nikolaus coming to fill our boots with goodies in the night from December 5th to the 6th... And of course the Advent wreath with its four candles, lit week after week until Christmas. All of these traditions are so important for me and I want my children to grow up with them, even though they are not necessarily the traditions around them. I mean how do you reconcile Nikolaus coming at the beginning of December filling a boot with Santa Claus coming Christmas filling stockings and putting toys under the tree??? The other day Liam said he had many names: "Liam, and Nikolaus and Santa". Now Nikolaus really is his second name, but Santa???

I'll play it by ear, see what happens and in the meantime create the traditions I want for my family. I made the Advent wreath today with four enormous red candles, ribbons and pine cones. And I baked the first Christmas cookies: Vanillekipferl. I always think of my Oma when I make these cookies, who made the best and most delicious Vanillekipferl, I try to make the cookies like she used to, but I am still learning... I think they get better every year...

So here's to the beginning of the Christmas Season, to traditions, to family, especially to family that I miss so much this time of year!