This is the first installment in Things Germans are obsessed with in winter. The list includes (but is not limited to):
-Christmas markets
-Christmas in general
-Advent
-Advent calendars
-Opening windows in freezing cold weather

Let’s talk about Advent first, and specifically, Advent calendars. These guys can’t get enough of them. I had a friend tell me once that he made an Advent calendar for his girlfriend and I thought, ok, that’s kind of weird but I guess it’s a nice gesture. Turns out, everyone makes Advent calendars over here. Everyone says “Happy Advent”. They light Advent wreaths. But it isn’t necessarily religious. It’s just another way of celebrating Christmas.

They started talking about Christmas at the end of October. I think because Halloween isn’t a big deal, and there’s no Thanksgiving, they don’t really have anything to look forward to but Christmas.

I thought it was hilarious when people were asking my Christmas plans in October. I was too preoccupied with my yellow tree and pumpkin bread to care about Christmas!

So now we’re actually in the season of Christmas…Advent…whatever you want to call it. It’s a nice distraction from the grey skies I guess.

Meanwhile, I need to find myself an Advent calendar somewhere. Preferable an Advent calendar full of wine. Or kale.