In recent years family members and people in general have been backing away from celebrating the holidays. It has become too commercialized and people have changed religions and beliefs – so it’s understandable and I appreciate all of that. What bothers me is the judgement (and maybe guilt) that is put upon me so I still love the holidays.

I love the holiday - the food (I absolutely LOVE sweet potato pie), the colder weather, the snow, the breaks from work (school) to spend time with family and friends. The music, tv shows (A Christmas Carol is my favorite) and family games. So, yes it’s become too commercialized and non-religions but, for me, none of what I love are either. For me, those holidays have been about Love, Thankfulness and Family – and with that I have wonderful memories of Christmases in all the places I’ve lived (even when I spent the holidays to myself).

Germany brings back some wonderful memories – I do not remember Christmas trees and presents but I do remember going down to Old Frankfurt to experience how the Germans celebrated Christmas.

We have several photos of our time in Germany, however, digital cameras and cell phones had not been invented yet – you had to send your photos away to be developed – several months later you would receive all your photos. With that said, I do not have photos of us experiencing German Christmas – so I’m going to look online.

Germans celebrate Christmas somewhat like in the United States with decorating a Christmas tree, exchanging gifts and having a wonderful meal. Yet, they also visit Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmärkte) for crafts and food like mulled wine (Glühwein) and gingerbread (Lebkuchen). This is what I meant when I said I have wonderful memories of our Christmas in Germany. I don’t even remember buying anything – it was about experiencing something we hadn’t experienced before and may never be able to experience again.

I believe our other Christmas in Germany (we were there for two years) was celebrated skiing in Berchtesgaden. That may be considered “commercialized” but again, for me, it was about memories.

In Conclusion

Yes, the holidays have become too commercialized and I respect others who decide to not celebrate for religious reasons or not. What I will not accept is anyone’s judgement on me celebrating the holidays. They can not take away my memories – past, present or future!