Why Europe Rocks: Reason #19

CHRISTMAS!

one of the many Christmas markets in Vienna...I don't know if you can tell from this picture, but the whole building is made to look like an advent calendar.

the Christmas market in Cesky Tesin, not quite like Vienna, but still festive.

the Christmas carp, enjoying his last day. On the 24th he'll be breaded and fried and next to the potato salad. That's the food here on Christmas (which is celebrated on the 24th), preceded by fish soup and at least a week of little fancy Christmas cookies that make ours look massive and dowdy by comparison.

Christmas is a time of family, love and tradition...lots of traditions. For example, if you don't eat until dinner you'll see the golden pig and during dinner keep a window open for Jezisek (little Jesus) who brings presents. After dinner you can cut an apple to see if you'll be healthy, throw your shoe to see if you'll get married, and examine walnut meats to see what the next 4 seasons will bring.

Merry Christmas from the Czech Republic!