Every time I turn around, a new Santa chocolate appears on my desk.

Germans are obsessed with opening windows.

I’m generally a fan of open windows…when it’s nice out. I#m even partial to open windows even when it’s really hot out. I like fresh air. In fact, I love fresh air.

However, I don’t want to be near an open window when it’s in the 30s (0s) outside.

There’s a definite window war at work going on. Every day, someone opens his or her window. Then someone else waits until they walk away and closes it (I shouldn’t lump all Germans together because a few do share my hatred of open windows in winter).

It’s freezing, people! Keep the window shut or take off a layer.

The same goes for the train. Someone will inevitably open a window. Granted, the train is usually stuffy and stinky; but I’ll suffer through it over 60mph arctic wind blasts.

My landlord suggested I turn on the heat and open my basement windows to let the old house “breathe”.

What?! I know, why don’t I just open the window, throw a handful of money out, and close it again.

So now it’s become me vs. (most) Germans in the ongoing window fight.

Now, it’s principle. Even when it’s really hot inside, I will not budge. There are times when I find myself hot, cooped up, and wanting to open a window for some fresh air, but I resist.

Winter: 4 more months to go.