10 Things I learned about winter holidays in Germany

1. Vacation time. Lots of it. I was off from work from the 23rd until the 2nd. That's EIGHT days..12 if you count the weekends (which I do). The last time I had so much obligatory vacation, I was in college. Or unemployed.
2. Drink. Drink drink drink. Mulled wine (Glühwein) at Christmas markets is a wonderful way to warm the hands and the stomach as you huddle with friends in the cold. Add in a shot of rum or amaretto for 50 more cents, and it'll really warm you up. Plus it's a great bargain, for those of you who are cost-considerate. Grog, basically hot water mixed with rum, is definitely not as recommended as Glühwein, but will get the job done. Eierlikör is the German version of egg nog.  And then, if you want something really special.. Feuerzangenbowle is a special rum drink made with FIRE.  Drink with caution. And of course, beer. Because when is beer NOT acceptable in Germany? Answer: never.
   

   

   Glühwein FTW

3. Food. I don't know how many variations Germany has of meat and dumplings, but they are all delicious. Check out this for a recipe. I haven't tried it but the picture looks good..At the very least it'll give you a reference point for my ever-expanding cheeks in FB pictures.

   

   Variations of meat and dumplings at a local restaurant. Soooo delish.

4. Dark. Turn on the lights at 3:30pm because the sun says "Auf Wiedersehen" at 4pm. No wonder they drink so much here. It's freaking depressing.
5. Cold. Temperatures hover around freezing during the day, but the record low is -15. And if there is wind.. forget about it. Just stay inside. Better yet, don't even leave your bed. Because the sun will set soon enough, so you might as well be a proactive sleeper, right? Or, option 2: just drink more Glühwein and you won't feel a thing.
   

   

   Ready to go out now! Maybe.

6. Gray. The vast majority of days are overcast, which means it gets dark even EARLIER than it should. Take full advantage of sunny days, regardless of the temperature outside.
   

   

   Bustin' out the stunna shades, took a picture to commemorate it

7. Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmärkte). If the prevalence of Weihnachtsmärkte is any indication, Germans freaking LOVE Christmas. Around November 20th these little mini villages of Yuletide joy spring up wherever there is space, and you feel like you could be at the North Pole in Santa's backyard.
   
   A Weihnachtsmarkt is not complete without at least all of the following:
   -a Glühwein stand (preferably multiples, because the line can get really long)
   -a sausage stand..because you need something to help with all that rum-infused Glühwein you just drank. And because, well, Germany. It's even better when cooked on a Schwenkgrill, which is basically a circular grill hung by chains over charcoal. The grill swings in a circle over the coals and allows the meat to cook evenly
   -someone selling random clothing items. "Oh yes I've always wanted a fur hat from Russia, the bigger the ear flaps the better, thank you. And yes, while I'm at it, I might as well take a pair of those leggings that look like an ugly Christmas sweater."
   -Christmas lights, sparkling from inside boughs of evergreen and dangling in bright strands from buildings
   -Lebkuchen. Heart-shaped gingerbread-ish cookies, often with little messages on them (seasonal messages like "Merry Christmas" or romantic things like "I love you")
   

   

   This just screams Christmas to me

   

   Lebkuchen

   

   A Schwenkgrill
8. New Year's is not to be messed with. The fireworks started on the morning of the 31st and never stopped. I thought "So this is kind of what living in a war zone must sound like." And then after midnight...I've never seen so many unprofessional fireworks in one area before. The air was literally clouded with firework smoke. But it was amazing.. People rushed outside with their drinks still in hand to watch the fireworks, and everyone was in a great mood. It was the perfect way to start off the new year -- a little bit dangerous (alcohol+explosives, not good bedfellows), but fun and carefree and so congenial and warm at the same time.
   

   

   Totally safe. 100%.

9. Friends. When it's dark and dreary and cold outside, it's easy to feel down. Especially for me. Sometimes I think my overall mood is directly tied to the weather.  So for me, friends and the times I spend with them - be it exploring Christmas markets, dancing the night away, or just enjoying a beer in my favorite Wedding pub - are essential in winter
   

   

   Vagabund

   

   Chasing away the winter blues

   

   Just a normal night in Muellerstr

10. Love. If you were smitten with Berlin before, you will fall head over heels with her. She looks so beautiful all decorated for Christmas with lights and evergreen everywhere, and then once she gets you hooked on Glühwein and innocent Christmas spirit, she shows her crazy, dangerous, dirty party side at New Year's. But by this time you are already so deep in love that you don't care. She's kind of like a girl you bring home from the party because she was so beautiful and dolled up and fun, almost irresistible.. And then you wake up the next morning, see her without her makeup and skimpy dress, and wonder "Who the hell is this?? What have I done??" But then you remember how awesome she was the night before and it doesn't matter anymore. Because as long as you love Berlin, she will love you back. And that's really the only thing that matters.