normally i spent the christmas time with my family in the south of germany. especially the christmas eve with eating bavarian veal sausage, pretzels and sauerkraut. the whole day is very familiar, quiet and we children were all waiting for the sound of the bell announcing the handing out of presents. hours later after sitting next to the decorated tree, having a nice family time and visiting the church for christmas mass i often met friends in the city celebrating christmas.

in neuss there’s another tradition and when i got in contact with it the first time i was really shocked (call me stuffy!): before midday all the young meet in pubs, dance to loud disco music and drink cocktails and beer. hours before they visit their families for a traditional dinner they’re all drunken.

some days ago a friend of mine explained the background: while the lady at home was preparing the meal, decoration and gifts the men in neuss were bored stiff. because the housewifes didn’t want thems help they started a telephone chain and met in the pub. i think many years ago it was like wagging the sunday mess and drinking two, three glasses of beer. and in the couple of years the quantity of glasses and persons exploded to the big forenoon party it is today.

it isn’t a big surprise that i’m not often in the right mood for christmas without enjoying the familiar advent season ’cause of busy final spurt in the job.

in this year, guys, i’m hopeful for a great end of the year. in four weeks i’ll finish the work for this year and i’m curious ’bout pre-christmas period in england. cool the beer, warm the glogg! it will be my first time spending christmas in another country!