We are entering the Christmas season in Dusseldorf.  Christmas is a big deal here, with Christmas Markets, Parades and many celebrations.  It started on November 6, with St. Martins day.  St. Martin is the patron saint of children and the poor.  Marissa's Daycare celebrated with a procession to a nearby park, to sing songs around a fire.  The children made lanterns that are illuminated by a small light on the end of a stick.  Tradition says that when you see a small child, you should give them a treat.  Marissa gets treats all over the place, from loaves of bread to lollipops.  It is quite nice.

Then came November 11th, when everyone gathers in the center of Altstat at 11:11 am, dressed up, and ready to get drunk and carry on.  Reminded me of the Mummers in Philly.  This date starts the religious holidays, but the dressing up part is a tradition to mock the French (Napolean) and others who have occupied the region at various times throughout history.

The Christmas Markets open at the end of November.  Dusseldorf has the best Markets apparently, with tourists coming from all around the region (The Netherlands, Belgium, UK, etc.) to visit.  We are looking forward to this event very much.  I will post some pictures when the time comes.  There are some great videos on You Tube as well, if you want to get a glimpse of what it looks like.

The cold weather has also ushered in some nice winter beer.  I found some bock beer (shown below) that is excellent.  A perfect balance of dry hoppiness and medium malty body disguises the 6.9% alcohol.  This a wonderful treat to enjoy on the cold damp nights here (while I watch Marissa's Papa Pig cartoons over and over).

And one last thought, our furniture came about 5 weeks ago, so we are much more comfortable now.