Before Thanksgiving, Patrick Square resident Becky Schafer, took an extended Western Europe vacation to visit family.  She started her destination in France to visit her sister, Susan McCarthy. They enjoyed some time there before they navigated towards Germany to visit Becky's son and his family stationed in Germany. It was a grand  reunion with her sister, son, daughter-n-law, and her grandchildren during Thanksgiving.

As she entered France to greet her sister, she stated, "I'm in Paris with my sister, Susan Goodwin McCarthy, eating lunch, and observing 4 young women eating American hamburgers. They first cut the whole thing in half, and from there cut small portions and ate it with a fork! They put ketchup on it, which is never used in French cooking, but is acceptable with a burger. Every country has their own culture! 

Becky visited many markets, "We spent 2.5 days in Strasbourg's Christmas markets. They were my favorite. Supposedly there were 15 in the city; we saw a lot of them. What made Strasbourg special were the decorations.  They had the usual Gluhwein (German mulled wine), lots of food, and plenty of market stalls with some beautiful Christmas ornaments, wool scarves, carved wooden scenes, jewelry, and other items." Becky continued to share that the street had lights strung from one side to the other, each with their own design. And above many shop doors were ornate Christmas scenes and  elaborate decorations. Becky's words, "It was magical!"

She traveled to Nuremberg and Rottenberg for their Christmas festivals. Becky shared, "Some were in very old (1500 and 1600s) church squares.  Others were behind walled cities. She sent some photos of the Christmas market windows and food stalls. Of course she highlighted that they were bundled up, so not really cold.

On Thanksgiving, Susan writes, "I am so fortunate!  I'm in Germany with my sister Susan Goodwin McCarthy. We came to see the Christmas Markets and visit my son and his family-- Marlene Michaels Schafer (daughter-n-law) Lee Schafer (son) ,and children Evelyn and Jake."  She provided pictures of the 4 Christmas Markets they visited; a cup of Gluhwein (hot mulled wine); the Cologne Cathedral (started in 1248); a restaurant we visited & some of the decorations.  Of course Thanksgiving is not celebrated in Germany, BUT she mentioned that Christmas decorations are everywhere! Becky told friends on Thanksgiving Day, " I'll be missing turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie. But I am still so very thankful for all my many blessings, whatever food I'm eating at the Christmas markets." Yes, being with family is the true gift for any Holiday Season!