Christmas in Kaysersberg

Photo taken in Kaysersberg, France in December 2011

 My parents came to visit us in France in December 2011.  I am really glad that we had the chance to show them around during the holiday season.  It was wonderful to spend time with them, especially in a unique and beautiful setting.

During their visit, we took them to the village of Kaysersberg which is south of Strasbourg but still in Alsace.  The day was rainy and cold but the atmosphere was festive.  Everywhere we looked individual houses and stores were decorated.  There was a Christmas market in the town square plus booths set up along the streets and in halls.  There were lots of choices of crafts, toys, food, and drinks.

It seemed to get dark quickly that day.  The winter sunset was assisted by dreary, overcast skies.  I was worried that we would have to cut our exploration short but things actually got brighter.  Decorative lights shone from every tree.  Windows beamed a golden welcome.  The whole village seemed to sparkle.  Some of my most favorite memories of that day come from thinking about the beauty we saw after nightfall.

I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to enjoy the festivities of Kaysersberg at Christmas.  I am even more thankful to have shared the experience with my husband, daughter, and parents.  It is always more fun to explore when accompanied by people you love.

Umbrellas were a necessity during
the first hour or two that we were in Kaysersberg.

The village is nestled in a valley and has many half timbered houses.

A castle on the hill guards Kaysersberg.

Almost every building in the main part of town was decorated.

A very festive window looks over an Alsatian shop.

A church in the main square of Kaysersberg.

As the sky darkened, the lights went on.
Neither darkness nor rain kept the crowds from Kaysersberg that day.

Bread for St. Nicholas

My daughter eyeing up her mannele before devouring it.
Photo taken in December 2011, in Strasbourg, France.

One of my favorite Alsatian holiday goodies is mannele.  It is sweet brioche that is shaped like a person, complete with raisins or chocolate chips for eyes.  It looks similar to a gingerbread man but it is bread rather than a cookie.  These treats are traditionally made for St. Nicholas day on December 6.  Strasbourg spreads the fun out and these buns can be found in bakeries from late November until early January.   I was known to buy one (or two) almost every day during that time period.  They were just too good not to enjoy them when they were around.

Some of these mannele had chocolate chips throughout!
Photo taken in December 2011 in Strasbourg, France

First thing first, she ate the eyes right off.
Photo taken in December 2011, in Strasbourg, France.

An Old Fashioned St. Nicholas

This St. Nicholas was featured in a window display for the Alsatian History Museum.
Photo taken in Strasbourg, France in December 2011.

Santa's Laundry

Photo taken in December 2011 in Strasbourg, France

The Claus family must have been renting this apartment in Strasbourg.  Their laundry was hanging out to dry above a store on the rue du Maroquin.

First Recorded Christmas Trees

Photo taken in January 2012 in Strasbourg, France

In the Alsatian town of Selestat there is a library with hundreds of ancient records, some even dating back to the 7th century.  In a record dating from 1521, there is mention of men being paid to guard a section of forest near the town.  The owners of the woods were concerned that people would cut too many of their trees to use for holiday decorations.  This payment to the guards is the first written documentation of people using trees to beautify their homes for Christmas.  At the time, Alsace, which is part of France now, was a part of Germany.

The photo shown above is from a display in the Alsatian Museum in Strasbourg.  Early Christmas trees were decorated with edible ornaments such as fruit, nuts, candy, and baked goods.  The trees were hung from the ceiling to help deter rodents from nibbling the tasty treats.

The Busy Capitol of Christmas

Photo taken in December 2011 in Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg is busy from morning until night during the Christmas season.  Stores that are normally closed on Sundays open up all weekend during December.  It is the busiest season for Alsace which attracts tourists in the spring, summer, and fall as well.  But none of the other times of year come close to the number of people who flock to the "Capitol of Christmas" in December.

Welcome Back, Holiday Season!

A holiday decoration in Kaysersberg, France.
Photo taken in December 2011

It has been a long time since I have written a post.  I always hate to read other people's blogs who write that but sometimes hobbies just have to be put on hold.  I have needed some time just to live, to figure out life in America once again, and to settle down into a routine.  I have also needed some space from thinking about losing France.  I am thankful for my current situation but there are still moments that I miss living in Europe.  

This post isn't meant to be sad or heavy.  Rather, it is a re-entry into the beauty of Alsace.  It is Christmas time again!  Although I am not present in person, I am there in spirit.  I want to share the photos I have taken during past holiday seasons in France.  December is an extraordinarily spectacular month in a place that is gorgeous year round.  I am hoping to post something on my blog each day in December.  I know that the holiday season is busy but I hope that you will find a moment to stop by my blog and enjoy a bit of Alsatian Christmas.