Unlike in the United States where official Christmas holidays are regarded as the 24th night and 25th day, or in Asia where the whole family dont usually gather to share food & presents next to the must-have Xmas tree (these kinds of celebration are associated with New Year), European countries are perfect places for young people to celebrate these meaningful holidays which extend to even 2 weeks taking into account the breaks before and after official Xmas holidays: 24th, 25th & 26th. The rest dates of the year are also considered end-of-the-year public holidays in the European Union.
Things I love the most during these ending time of the year are the food, the markets, gorgeous lighting decoration everywhere lightening up & bringing lives to the cold atmosphere, and the meetings with family & friends whom we have not met for a long time. As a foreign student from a totally different culture & doing my kind of 2nd exchange abroad, I had chance to celebrate Xmas in such a diverse & unexpected way.
1. Week before: Xmas market in Germany
Best cities in Germany that I was recommended to check out the Xmas markets were Munster, Munich and Berlin. I chose the very near German city Bremen to visit though, because it was an extremely cheap option organized by ESN Groningen. Lots of hot wine (
Glühwein) and German food we had in the market were exceptional.
2. 24th night - dinner with family
After giving presents to closest friends here and say goodbye to them before they return to their home country to celebrate Xmas with family in their own national way, I could not be sadder. Normally European families gather, share lots of food, drinks, presents with each other in their own unique ways. Many friends of mine travel to other countries for new experiences but I decided to celebrate in Groningen with some of my housemates with lots of dishes from different European nationalities. We also shared wishes for each other.
3. 25th & 26th - Xmas in Amsterdam
Wanting to celebrate Xmas in a new city with a family, I decided to travel to Amsterdam to meet a Chinese friend who I have not seen for long time. The whole family were so welcoming here that I felt like treated as at home. We also had special family meals with hot pot (which I love so much and was craving for) and presents given to each other. Then we went ice-skating (1st time in my life), and partying in one of the nicest bar in Amsterdam, followed by a long day shopping in
Roermond Designer outlet.
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| Yummy hot pot - Chinese style |
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| Biggest ice-skating ring in Amsterdam |
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| Dam Square |
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| Xmas tree in Roermond Outlet |
4. Week after: preparation time for the upcoming new Year.
Stay tuned for a special New Year's Eve post!
