A Christmas Market Stall

Photo by πρώρα (Prora) via Flickr

My latest mini obsession is trying to recreate the feeling of a European Christmas market in miniature. I love the cute, little, wooden stalls huddled together on cobblestones; the smell of boiled wine, sausages and sauerkraut tempting you while you peruse the handmade merchandise under red and white striped canopies. Wooden toys line the little shelves. Gingerbread with intricate iced details hang above your head. Woven straw ornaments with red bows are tucked among hand blown Christmas tree ornaments.

Something magical happens at night when darkness falls. Everything is set off by the glittering lights in the square and the small spotlights cast warm light on the handmade items in the stalls, making the glass ornaments twinkle. The cup of boiled wine in your hand is spiced with cloves. It warms you from the inside out as you stroll along the cobblestones and listen to familiar carols being sung in a foreign language.

Over the next few months, I hope to recreate that feeling of a European Christmas tradition. You can follow my progress on my Christmas Market Stall project page. In the meantime, if anyone has comments or suggestions, I'd love to hear them!