Thursday, December 22, 2011

to market, to market


On Tuesday, we were able to take a quick trip down to the Christkindlmarket. Sort of an outdoor German pop-up village, in the heart of Chicago's Loop. The girls enjoyed the different festive shops featuring handblown glass ornaments, clever wooden toys, candle pyramids, cuckoo clocks, and all kinds of authentic German food. 

We picked up a few ornaments. And let me tell you, that wasn't an easy task. Too many beautiful ones to choose from, we settled on a toadstool house, a sweet marguerite daisy, a polka dotted toadstool, a glittery strawberry, and a green pickle. 


Are you familiar with the German tradition of the Christmas pickle? It seems to be something of an urban myth, as many people in Germany have never heard of it. The first child who finds the hidden pickle on the tree Christmas morning receives a special gift from St. Nicholas.

I've an idea. The first person that helps Mom clean everything up after Christmas receives a special gift. Think it will work?



18 comments:

Tricia said...

I like your clean up idea...maybe that's what I need to do :) The ornaments are so cute! The toadstool is my favorite. Merry Christmas!

Kim K. said...

I'm completely smitten with your toadstool ornaments. We missed our traditional trip to Chicago this year for Christmas. Your tree is just lovely.

My Vintage Mending said...

A few years ago we visited Chicago at Christmas time and it was magical. Between the store windows and the German Market I was in my element. Beautifully picked ornaments...Merry Christmas...Renee

Mrs. Cozy Home said...

OOh I love that strawberry!

Ruby Jean said...

Oh that sounds like it was so much fun!! I am LOVING that Pickle... :)

GardenofDaisies said...

I love your pretty new ornaments. Yes, we do hang a pickle on our tree. Actually two green pickles and two red peppers. Our kids have to find one of each and then they can open their last gift. It's a fun tradition. (I think I did a post about it not long after I started blogging.)

Pinecone said...

Have a wonderful Christmas!!!!!
xoxo
Ashlyn

Diane Cayton-Hakey said...

Love the little toad stool/mushroom ornaments. It really is difficult to choose just a few, isn't it? You chose well. :-)

Parisian Bijoux said...

I love the tree. I went to Europe in 06 with my family we went to a few country's Germany was one of them. The Black Forest is so amazing. The people we met there were so kind. Awesome post.

Merry Christmas

Maaike said...

Hi Molly, your house looks so pretty, inside as well as outside. I love all the details and decorations. May the Holidays bring everything you and your family hope for this year!

Lots of love,
Maaike

Libbie said...

That tree is perect! So whimsical!

I would have fallen for that strawberry too...I never met a strawberry I didn't love!

thanks for your sweet words today!

Jemm said...

What great ornaments! I've never heard of the hidden pickle contest, but I've always seen pickle ornaments and wondered about them. This is an explanation that makes sense!

Elizabeth said...

Bet that's a neat little shop! Love the mushroom very whimsical!
May you have a very Blessed Christmas!

Gloria said...

Very cute ornaments! Good choices...:) I like your idea of cleaning up! It might work!

Merry Christmas to you and your lovely family!!!

XOXO...Gloria

Cozy Little House said...

Maybe you're on to something! Sweet ornaments! Merry Christmas!
Brenda

blessedmom's simple home said...

They're adorable, and I think your idea might just work :) Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Blessings,
Marcia

Elyse said...

dear treasured friend,

the ornaments you selected are perfect! am loving the toadstool.

i like your idea about the christmas pickle. i keep trying to make the house tidy for christmas but little boys keep undermining my efforts. oh well ...

time to watch holiday specials. :)

warmest wishes for a healthy and merry christmas!

xo
elyse

Natalia Glazacheva said...

***We wish you a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year***
Best wishes, Molly, to all your Family:o)
Natasha & Fam