Garmisch

The best way to spend a few days around Christmas time? At a place called Edelweiss in Garmisch, Germany. It's clear down in the southern part of Germany by the Austrian boarder. We went there on an all expense paid marriage retreat and are very grateful for the opportunity we were given.

The lodge was gorgeous and the view was absolutely breathtaking. I love mountains! I think one day we'll have to live somewhere, where I can see mountains from my front porch.

The inside of the resort was just as beautiful as the outside and it was decorated for Christmas. We enjoyed spending three days relaxing. Hopefully before we leave we'll be able to go back when the weather is better. We wanted to ride the ski lift to the top of the mountain but it was so foggy that we didn't think we'd be able to see much of the bottom. 

Nuremberg Christmas Market

Christmas markets are easily one of my favorite things about Germany. This year we went to the one in Nuremberg. Most Christmas markets are held in the city center (also known as a town square). It's one of the larger ones in our area and each year it's packed full of people, from opening day after Thanksgiving to closing day Christmas Eve. At Christmas markets you can buy all kinds of food, cider, gluehwein, ornaments, jewelry, and many other Christmas goodies and trinkets.

We spent all day at the Christmas market trying all the new things. Ben bought me a giant gingerbread cookie that said "I love you" and a necklace. I bought him a hat because it was freezing! Neither one of us found gluehwein to be that good but others swear it's delicious. Personally my favorite is the cider and I love the glass mugs that the venders put the hot drinks in. 

I hope that by the time we leave here we're able to go to many more Christmas markets. They are definitely a wonderful experience and are guaranteed to put you in the Christmas spirit.