Christmas celebrations

We have had a very merry Christmas season in Kampen, albeit far different from anything we have ever experienced.  How different, you might ask?  Well, it isn't so much that there are centuries-old traditions that were new to us (Sinterklaas is the biggest), but simply that we were away from every aspect of what we have always known this season to be.  Both Brant and I come from families who have "thick" Christmas traditions which include church services, special meals, familiar music, seasonal activities, Christmas decorations that are pulled out each year, and the most obvious, family.

Being across the ocean from home during this season, was difficult for both of us (our kids are still at a fantastic age where none of this phased either one of them).  Difficult, however, does not have to be a bad thing.  We knew we had been given the opportunity to experience the Christmas season away from everything familiar for this year, and we were not about to let it become a negative thing.  Rather, we embraced our surroundings, created new memories and did not lose sight of the true reason we celebrate Christmas.  Enjoy the pictures I have posted here, as sort of an overall visual summary of what we were up to the past two weeks...

We decorated a tree this year, which we bought locally in Kampen and brought home via bicycle - that was something new!  Not having our usual decorations and ornaments was probably the hardest for me, but we still were successful in creating a beautiful tree.

We found a cheap little tree that lights up and changes colors - surprisingly it was not as tacky as I thought it was going to be, and turned out to be a big hit!

The love these two share for each other made this season an absolute joy.

Frosty the Snowman wears wooden shoes!  Bet you didn't know that!

Maddie, observing a medieval Dutch Christmas scene.

We also got sick (some of us are still sick).

Being sick means extra cuddles.

We made "cinnamon ornaments" with our friend Ever, which was lots of fun!

Our house smelled like delicious cinnamon for days.

Snuggly kiddos are the best.

We spent Christmas Eve with friends who live in a town called Franeker.  Here I am with Janneke.  They opened up their home and wonderful hospitality to us, making the day away from our families so memorable and special.

We learned new games.

And played on super cool baby swings.

Brant and Hans made pizzas for dinner, entirely from scratch.  They were incredible.

We acted out the Christmas Story, and Maddie played "the angel."

This was the first time we have woken up in our own home, with just our little family on Christmas Day.

The weather was spectacular, and called for a family bike ride.

Merry Christmas!

Brant and I switched bikes half way through, so I guess this is called the "papafiets." 

We made and frosted sugar cookies on Christmas afternoon, which made for a fun, and sweet, family activity. 

Our Christmas dinner - genuine Swiss fondue from the cheese market.  It was amazing. :)

We are thankful for the many new memories and experiences we had this Christmas season.  Most importantly, we were grateful for the time to slow down and reflect on the birth of our Savior, celebrating the true reason for Christmas, as a family.  Merry Christmas!!