HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

We all celebrate our holiday with a special family tradition, or a heritage tradition. Upon our travels the last few weeks I began to think about this as we entered and exited many cities and countries. Watching all the people and places that we encountered along our journey, it was a delight to watch people enjoy their heritage and where they have come from. Interesting to watch how they celebrate their country. We had the pleasure of visiting Koln Germany over the American Thanksgiving holiday!! It was just beautiful. The traditional German Christmas Market that was in front of the dom was spectacular. They celebrate in a big way. Everywhere you would walk everyone was sipping on a traditional mulled wine in these cute little cups. I regret not trying it but I do not drink and it is something I am not sure would of been good for me. BUT next time I am definitely going to try this with the crowd and I will be sure to get a photo of it all!

The trees were nicely decorated there and all the shops were filled with festive decorations. We traveled to many cities throughout England and Europe the last few weeks. We were down in London for the weekend BEFORE Thanksgiving and it was really busy with lots of people shopping ( Recession?? I didn't see or feel one there) . Somehow within the crowd I managed to lose my camera so I am REALLY lost right now with photos and having a hard time getting my thoughts together for my blog because I usually use my photos for inspiration and all the words come to me. London was GREAT, and yes there was another Christmas Market in Hyde Park that I took Anna Claire to. It was a bit of a walk from our hotel but we spent a cold morning there and it was refreshing.

This now brings me back to the USA, that is where I am right now back in the Good Old USA!! I am currently in Buffalo New York, nice and cold and snowy. Visiting many friends & family. It has been a GREAT week, the kids are getting really excited for Christmas. On Sunday, I will fly down to some SUNNY, warm weather at our house in Florida and I REALLY can't wait. I've had enough now with the snow blowing in my face when I clean the car off, and enough sitting in the car waiting for the window to defrost from the freezing rain. All while my nice sunny, warm, fresh house down in Florida awaits me, and my nice warm swimming pool sits and waits for us too!! :) Can't get there fast enough. BUT this brings me back to TRADITION and spending your time with your loved ones, and keeping FAMILY TRADITION when you are miles and miles away from everyone. I managed, I came home, I visited, I gave, I received and above all I upheld the FAMILY TRADITION. We baked, we ate, we celebrated life, we celebrated one another. I had a reunion with a long, lost relationship with a dear cousin and that was the BEST gift of all that I could of received this holiday season. Love to you all........