Blogging
From Abroad

Austrian Tradition is AWESOME! I was also blessed to travel to my Buddy Berni’s home for Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve is when the main events happen for Austrians. Her family graciously allowed me to join them for their celebration. It starts out with a traditional fish meal at lunch; then a relaxing afternoon of wrapping gifts and drinking tea. Then the real excitement begins. Since I was new, I became like the small child of the family and got to be surprised! The tradition here is that the children never see the decorated Christmas tree or presents until Christmas Eve night. So after the evening dinner of Wursts, we prepared to see the tree. I walked in the room not only to find that the tree was beautifully decorated, but it even had sparklers and candles on it. There was a bucket of water close by because the tree has caught on fire before. The Serro Family is very musical as well so Mr. Serro played the guitar while Berni and Stephi played the flutes. We sang all together, Silent Night, in German and in English! Then Chrissi read the passage from Luke in German about Jesus’ birth and I read it after in English. I had never sang or played music with my family before so it was a cool experience. We unwrapped presents and I was surprised that I had a gift under the tree as well. I loved my Christmas away from home. The other really sweet part about Christmas in Austria is the cookies. Berni’s Mom made so many beautiful cookies that we ate after opening all the Christmas presents. Then we played games until around midnight and I went to Mass at the local church- all in German of course. Sehr Interessant. I hope you enjoy the photos as much as I do!

Soli Deo Gloria,
Kellen