The Four Sundays of Advent

Today is the second Sunday of Advent. We were certainly not prepared for the local celebrations honoring the Advent of Christmas here in this little community. 

December 1st began the month and a member at Church gave us an Advent candle to burn each day until Christmas Day. 

 Sadly we had no matches or lighters so it took us a couple of days to be able to get started, but we got what we needed and began this tradition. 

We had learned about the kick off celebration of St. Andreas the weekend before Dec. 1, but then we were surprised that the really big deal is on December 6th, St. Nickolas Day. Everyone was so kind to us and but we totally lost out on putting our shoes/boots by the door to get goodies of chocolate, little gifts or oranges. (The sadest part is that we didn't give any to anyone else either )

I did learn about Krampus who is a really bad companion to St. Nicholas who is very good to all the children in particular. But Krampus can spoil a really good event if you have not been good. 

We have enjoyed visiting some of the little Christmas Markets close by.  This is a very small city with lots of little villages around it and out in the country, so there are many traditions that are kept here and the Markets are very homey and not very commercial. We have enjoyed them so far....even in the rain.

The Market held on the castle grounds here in Detmold was a real treat. We ate some wonderful traditional dishes that I think we will go back to eat again. 

The Prince of Lippe's family still lives in the Detmold Castle. It is literally the center of the town. 

Lippeshire Pickert is now a favorite of mine. It is a traditional food for poor farmers. It is made with potatoes , raisens, yeast, flour, milk and other good ingredients to supply energy to the farmers as they went out into the fields. It is like a pancake, but tastes different and warm and healthy.

Maybe you want to taste one too?  Come and visit!! :)