The Ritual Master Hello dear friends, and Merry Christmas Eve !
Welcome to the heart of Christmas in Vienna : the Christkindl Market.
Literally translated as the Market of Christ the child, the name is rooted in the truly Austrian tradition that gifts are brought by the Baby Jesus, and not Santa Claus. Located in front of the stunning neo gothic city hall, the Rathaus, this is the largest Christmas market out of the 20 organised all over Vienna. Some say the first “December Market” was held in Vienna in 1298, but the actual proof attests that an Old Viennese Christmas Market was held on the very same spot as today, in 1764. The tradition has continued ever since, bringing people together, to share a cup of mulled wine or a snack, admire the magical lights and maybe buy some hand made gifts.
A nativity scene is traditional, as well as a brass band to animate the cold evenings, which frankly, aren’t that cold once you’re there. Christmas Markets are magical to me, because I choose to look at them as a child. Instead of seeing crowds of people manipulated into buying things they don’t need, I wonder at the lights, I smile when seeing others smile with joy, I marvel that we can still come together to rejoice.
At the end of this magical month of December, I look back at the 20 books I’ve read, at the recipes and food anecdotes, the music and the museums, and I am grateful for having experienced my daily Austrian adventure. Getting to know Austrian literature has been my motor, yet I have gained so much more along the way. I travelled in time, as well as in space, all of my senses and my imagination have been inspired by a world that revealed itself to me through books.
Thank you for all the joy we’ve shared during this month of December. It has been my absolute delight to bring together this Video Advent Calendar, our daily dose of cosy discoveries.
I wish you all a festive season that soothes your soul and tickles your spirit, and whether you spend it alone, with family or friends, may your Christmas be enriched by your very own ritual of reading.
Merry Christmas !
