Christmas in Sachsen
How did we celebrate Christmas in Sachsen? It started on 24th of December by lighting up the 4th Candle for the 4th Sunday or Advent.
The day before, the 23rd, we tried to visit Moritzburg and the garden but the snow proved to be too strong. Radio reports multiple accidents and incidents so we decided to head back and enjoy the view.
The snow covered almost everything. The meadows, dainty houses, and the trees look particularly beautiful like cake topped with fine sugar.
Fast forward to the afternoon of the 24th, Grandma came with gifts for everyone which we laid down along with the other gifts under the Christmas tree. We went to a Christmas Vesper at St. Ursula.
St. Ursula is a small but famous church in Chemnitz. During Christmas Vesper after the sermon, a live play about the nativity participated mostly by children was held.
Even though it was rainy and a road was closed due to flooding, attendees from all over Germany came to celebrate. Being early helped us secure parking space and seats. The church was heated so we stayed warm and cozy.
As we drove back home, Grandma pointed outside towards a lake or so I thought. It was actually a meadow covered in flood. I looked on the opposite side. Thankfully it was flood free.
I was looking forward to dinner and Grandma's potato salad. It was filled with pickes and radish, both filling and refreshing. We opened up the presents after and invited a neighbor Grandpa over. I'm glad he came and celebrated with us.
I am very grateful that I belong to this family who resembles the one I have from the Philippines. They are warm and very kind. In a world filled with violence and war, being with good people is like finding a priceless and irreplaceable treasure.
The next day, we went over to grandma and the day after that too. Grandma's dishes are really superb. Just like her choice of Stollen or Christmas Cake from Reimann. She said she used to help make one before and the ingredients truly make a huge difference. This type of cake stays moist and has the right level of sweetness with no aftertaste.
Thankfully, we had good weather the next day so we went to Moritzburg castle. There was a Sonderausstellung or Special Display for the late actress Libuše who played Cinderella on the movie Cinderella and her 3 Wishes. We saw the original outfits she and her co-actors wore as well as try some on.
The display was on the main castle. There were interactive displays, life size wax figures, mini movie theatre, audio room and much more. There's a cafe and souvenir shop too. If you ever need to relieve yourself in this castle, don't worry. The toilets or WCs are modern with warm and cold water as well as toiletries.
We decided to have lunch at Bärenhaus, a local restaurant in front of Moritzburg which used to house real bears over a hundred years ago. The place was cozy and stilled retained some of the original structures. Both food and service was top. The cakes on display looked really appetizing too.
After that delicious and filling meal, we went for a walk towards the Facaden. It's a villa surrounded by gardens with a lighouse facing a river. If you'd like to experience medieval transport, carriages are available for hire which will bring you to the best spots.
There are cafés and a small waffel shop near the lighthouse. We had pine tree shaped waffles and hearty drinks. They don't accept cards so it's best to bring cash with you.
On the way back, we could hear the sound of a Dampf Lock or Steam Powered Train just like in Oberwiesenthal. The sky was particularly beautiful that afternoon. What's more amazing is seeing the castle reflected by the still and pristine water.
If you get lucky like we were, you'll see pairs of swans elegantly swimming near you. There is of course a special one which is busy diving in search of food which we found really entertaining. Just like us, they too have some love birds and one who is constantly on the grind.
It was getting dark when we drove back home so we decided to have dinner at Goldenes Prag in Freiberg. They opened at 5 PM that day and we called in to reserve seats. The meals were extraordinarily big and delicious: perfect for people with huge appetites.
How did you celebrate yours? Feel free to write your experiences on the comments section below.
