Interesting enough as part of the German tradition, Christmas is celebrated on the 24th rather than the 25th like most North Americans are used to. Typically, wieners and potato salad are served for dinner that evening followed by spending the rest of the evening unwrapping gift. The 25th you spend the day with 'family' where this Christmas, I was fortunate enough to be invited to spend it with Franz's lovely family. The 25th, often consist of eating goose. I would say, it is equivalent to a Canadian's turkey dinner.

Weather wise, Christmas in Dresden was very green and windy! Not the white Christmas I am used to but snow definitely did not take its time. Not so long after Christmas day, we got a heavy snowfall that is here to stay. It is starting to look more like Canada here.

No white Christmas BUT I'll take the snow as it comes even a day later.

 

Handbrot, my all time favourite! Fresh baked bread stuffed with cheese, bacon bits or mushrooms topped off with sour cream and chives. If you are ever lucky enough to attend the various festivals throughout Germany and stumble upon one of these stands... wait in those massive line for one, I promise you it's worth it. OR go visit Leipzig and get one at the "handbrotzeit" available all year around.

 

Trdelnik, traditional Hungarian baked specialty where it is now adopted by Germany, Austria and Czech as their own. Often time, it is served fresh.

 

To the folks who enjoy alcoholic beverages, Germany is your place to be! Not only because of the delicious beers that originate from this tiny country but the way they cope with the cold season. Simply with glühwein, otherwise known as mulled wine. Usually you find it made up of red wine and other various spices giving it a nice aroma when served hot.

 

Dankeschön für Glühwein! 

I would not want to spend these cold nights any other way. 

I must say, the Germans know how to spend every season properly.