This afternoon, we had the village advent market, in the Waldlerhuette, our village hall. This year, the stall with the advent crowns and other table decorations and wreaths covered almost the whole width of the hall. Within 20 minutes, there was hardly anything left! Other stalls were selling decorations, home made preserves and liqueurs, knitted socks and scarves and pottery. Much like a an English Christmas bazaar, except that this was mainly a social event. The stalls were around the sides and centre of the hall was filled with long tables, covered with white cloths and decorated with greenery and candles. All the benches filled quickly with locals and visitors, enjoying coffee and home make cakes. Entertainment was also provided – by the children of the village. The children of the kindergarten and primary school sang Christmas songs – quite strange to realise that, in spite of the German words, the songs included ‘Away in a manger’ and other familiar tunes. The kindergarten children had white chefs hats on for their part in a song about baking Christmas biscuits. Other children, some of them very young, showed amazing talent on the Flugel, the violin and guitar, some of them accompanied on the harp by the wife of the village mayor.