A GERMAN THANKSGIVING / FIRST ADVENT

It has become a tradition now that we celebrate Thanksgiving in the Schulze family. In fact, it has taken on quite a large proportion. Most of the family living further away all travel in for the celebration. We have some greater obstacles to overcome here in preparing a turkey feast akin to that of one in America. First of all, there is no Thanksgiving holiday, thus no time off of work or four day weekend. We have conveniently moved Thanksgiving to Friday or Saturday depending on travel arrangements from those coming home. Problem number two would probably be the bird. We don't buy such a big one because the ovens are not big enough to fit it anyway. Please notice we have roasted two turkeys instead. Other than that we put on a pretty traditional feast. The menu includes cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoe casserole, green bean bake, stuffing and various pies for dessert. We TRY to keep it basic and simple.

Here we are enjoying the spread. Note that Tobi and Coni and kids missed the beginning.

FIRST ADVENT:

Before the guests arrived, we took our 2008 Schulze family portrait:

The third problem is not really a problem but more of a dilemma, but for those traveling here provides a double header. Thanksgiving most often falls the same weekend as the first Advent (or 4th Sunday before Christmas). The first Advent is the start of the Christmas season here in Germany. It is also marked by tradition. The Schulze family spends it traditionally with Tante Bärbel and Onkel Gerd. (The dilemma being two fun filled days of overeating!) Tante Bärbel traditionally makes meat rouladen, a typical German fare. Due to health reasons, we skipped the dinner this year and they came to Schulze Sr. house for pies and cake. Onkel Hagen and Tante Angela were there again too. It is fun to have the family all together.

As part of the evening we sing Christmas carols and then play some games.

Two highlights of the weekend were the announcements of new additions to the family. Congratulations to Julia (Benny's sister)and Levin who are expecting their first child in May.

Congratulations also to Steffen (Benny's brother) and Mariella who are engaged to be married in March.