My First Christmas Away From Homeby Peggy Havner
I lived in a small German city, and my landlords, Maria and Alfred, were very nice people. Maria spoke some English and kindly filled me in on the upcoming holiday events. I didn't actually participate in may of them, just stood back watching in awe how Germany changed into a Christmas wonderland. I was living a holiday fantasy and it would be a Christmas that I would not soon forget! The first snow fall was magical beyond words! Since the city street lights were florescent and situated over the middle of the street, they light a larger area. Watching the snow falling softly and slowly to the ground was pure magic! How i loved to go out and walk in that snow! To be out there, walking in the snow, as the aroma of home cooked meals made their way to me, was indescribable. During future snow falls you would surely find me back outside, or peering out the window as though in some kind of dream that I didn't want to wake up from. Snow in Germany and snow in Maine just did not compare. Traveling to my favorite cities to see the holiday decor was a lot of fun. One memorable experience was going to neighboring city at night, and seeing all the Christmas lights. Most were white lights that were very popular in Germany, in addition to the electric lights, some areas had lit candles glimmering in the snow. I can not even begin to describe what a sight this was, we took some photos that did not develop to wheel, but they memory is still very clear in my mind. A couple of weeks before Christmas...a knock at the door. It was Maria coming to tell me not to go buy a Christmas tree, her husband would bring us one. A few days later Alfred came with a tree that was much too big to bring into the house, but it was the most beautiful tree I had ever seen! He cut it smaller so it would fit, and of course with the exception of colored lights, we had decorations. Sitting in the (almost) dark, with just the Christmas tree lights on, and looking out the window to watch it snow became a temporary pass time for me! On Christmas morning there were presents from new found friends and family back home to open. Another knock on the door...and there was Maria to surprise us with presents and some German yummies for us. My present was something I will always treasure...a lead crystal covered candy dish! Those yummy things she brought didn't go to waste either! Her visit and surprise made it a very special day indeed. It's been 15 years since my first Christmas away from home, and I can truly say the Ghost of Christmas Past visits me every year! I still use the Christmas decorations from Germany, and remember my very magical Christmas!! I only hope that my children's first Christmas away from home will be equally magical and a Christmas to always remember. |
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