Those ancients must have been pretty clever to spot what is only a matter of a couple of minutes difference in the length of the day. For Jussi, far more significant than sunrise is the moonrise, and the phase of the moon. This morning was very dark.
But hey! It's Chriiiiiiiiiiiiismaaaaaaaaas. We run a sort of hybrid Anglo-Germanic (with Scottish influences) Christmas - stealing the best of the indulgent celebrations from all cultures. Normally the 23rd is the big day for decorating the tree (a German tradition) - and friends will know of our huge trees of christmasses past, decorated with real candles - something which often generated much consternation. This year the Christmas paraphenalia is in storage - so we've got a weeping fig and fairy lights. Not quite the same thing but it'll be fine.
The fun starts tonight, with a festive potato salad, the lighting of the tree and carolling - (German obviously, no self respecting Brit would conceive a festive potato salad). Tomorrow we'll stuff ourselves with excess food, alcohol and general consumerism - the English part. This all serves as evidence of the technological superiority of the Germans who manage to spot that the days are getting longer two days before the English. No wonder German washing machines are the best.
Meanwhile the Scots don't really get going until Hogmanay.
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2 comments:
I miss your tree.
We're having a party on Hogmanay - wish you guys could make it.
Aw thanks Chris.
Yeah I guess I do too - the Hogmanay here is an unknown quantity - we've heard mixed reports - although all agree that whiskey plays a prominent part.
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