Remember: ‘Tis the season to be jolly!
Someone recently asked me what Christmas was like in Europe; they quickly followed that up with the assumption that they figured it’s less commercial. Well, yes and no. Since late November, everywhere we’ve gone–England, Amsterdam, Berlin, Croatia–there have been Christmas markets. Insofar as the merchants are engaging in commercial enterprise, yes, there is a commercial aspect to Christmas, even here.
But it’s different. We’re not exactly sure why. Perhaps it’s that the markets are a deeper tradition than shopping malls and giant corporate retail brands. Maybe it’s because the pop-up Christmas markets of Europe are more community-oriented, with children’s choirs and manger scenes and menorahs (PC’ness is not an issue here) and tall angels passing out treats to the children. Likely with as much emphasis on all the food and seasonal treats and hot spiced wines, and less emphasis on presents and gifts and buy-buy-buy, it feels more like a celebration. As Christmas should.
I think we’ve found a clue in Croatia. Here, the season of Advent is officially and openly celebrated. Christmas is the culmination of Advent. Advent is a season, one of anticipation. We all know what’s coming, so it’s ok to be excited.
That’s what Christmas feels like in Europe.
Well, there’s only a few days of Advent left for you to prepare for Christmas. For all our friends and family back home and around the world, if you’re still out rushing around in a tizzy to find those treasures, it’s ok. You know what’s coming. Here are a few pictures from Advent season in Europe to keep you in the holiday mood.
