Cancelled: Christmas Market

We were looking forward to celebrating Advent and Christmas this year, especially for the Christmas markets. We were all very excited, because maybe, it would be a different Christmas this year despite the pandemic. But authorities cancelled the Christmas Markets in Ludwigsburg, Stuttgart and Esslingen at the last minute. Today, the Baroque Christmas Market in Ludwigsburg was supposed to open, but they decided to cancel it yesterday evening. They knew that the situation is bad, and yet they didn't do anything for weeks. And just when the preparations were almost finished and the opening ist just a day away, BAM! Abgesagt! Cancelled! I understand that because of the very high number of positive cases and the critical situation in the ICUs in the hospitals, a drastic move has to be made. But they should have foreseen this situation, as this was also the case last year, that the numbers would rise especially in the autumn / winter season. But no, they didn't seem to have learned something from last year. And that is what makes me sad...

But still, without the Christmas market, we can still make the Christmas season a memorable one. We can still celebrate in our small and intimate family circle and warm up Kinderpunsch and Glühwein. We can bake Christmas cookies with our loved ones and consume them while watching family movies in the comfort and warmth of our homes. We can create wonderful memories and sing Christmas carols. Create wonderful handmade Christmas decorations and give them out to friends. Yes, we can still all do this despite the pandemic. And the money that we are supposed to have spent on rides and shops at the Christmas market, we can save them up donate to a charity that needs it the most.

The Christmas markets may have been cancelled but the true spirit of Christmas, of family, of thanksgiving, of gifting, of hope and of love will remain.

  

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3 Gifts Every Grandparent Will Love

Sometimes it's hard to think of gifts for a grandparent. Many are set in their ways, so buying them the newest gadget isn't the best idea. It is important to remember that grandparents have seen it all. They are not going to be impressed with big fancy gifts. They value your time and your love more than anything.

Say It With a Picture

Grandparents still love pictures. An updated family portrait Pittsford NY, in a new frame is the perfect gift for most grandparents. If that sounds a little boring to you, then consider getting a picture printed on something else. Pictures can be printed on just about anything from pillows and blankets to phone cases. Think outside the box when it comes to poses. Instead of a formal pose, have a family portrait taken around your busy kitchen island, craziness and all. This way, your grandparent will remember all the times spent sitting around the kitchen.

Keep It Warm and Cozy

When you get older it's harder to keep warm. You can never have enough blankets and slippers. For a twist on this idea, look for a blanket with your grandparent's favorite sports team. If you want to personalize this idea even further, have a quilt made using baby blankets or t-shirts from your family. The blanket will smell like you and remind your grandparent of happy memories. Instead of plain slippers, get them funny monster slippers. They can have a laugh wearing them and think of you.

Give a Little Helper

Get your grandparents a robot vacuum. This may seem like a strange gift but think about it. Vacuuming the floor is a difficult task when you get older and have trouble moving around. This little helper will keep the floors clean, and your grandparent will get a kick out of watching it bump around the house. Robot vacuums are very durable and easy to operate. This is the type of gift that keeps giving.

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Give the Gift of Moments this Christmas

If there is one thing good about this pandemic, it is more time shared with the family. The year 2020 is almost coming to an end and Christmas is in a few weeks. If you are still looking for that perfect Christmas gift, then search no more. I would say that one of the best gifts you can give your loved ones this Christmas are those beautiful moments.

Start or Continue Family Baking Traditions

The holiday season is the perfect time to bake Christmas cookies. So heat up your oven and get those pins rolling. Wrapped in nice tins or clear bags, they are always a hit for the young and old. And you can never have too much cookies.. Paired with coffee, tea or hot chocolate and your Christmas cookies are gone in no time.

Photo Prints and Books

In this digital world, most of us have tons of photos stored in our phones, in our hard drives, even in CDs. We, more often than not, forget about them and they are just there, as digital files waiting or perhaps craving for attention. Why not make prints out of them and put them up on your wall or better yet make photobooks out of them? There will always be something special about printed photos. They immortalize your memories and those important moments of your life

Send out Christmas Cards

I love receiving greeting cards on the mail. This is the time, more than ever, to be sending out Christmas cards to families and friends. To remind them that despite not seeing them for months, they are thought of and are loved. 

With the restrictions for parties and gatherings, it is a challenge for families to celebrate Christmas with our big circle of family and friends. We must be careful, be patient, be understanding of the times, so that we can all see each other again, giving out hugs and shaking hands. But until then, let us continue to be careful and stay healthy. So we can also share more moments with family and friends. 

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Gift Ideas for Your Outdoor-Loving Family

Shopping for your loved ones is hard enough, but it is all the more challenging when they have interests that differ from yours. If you have friends or family that love being active outdoors, and you want to find a gift that will embody the things they love to do, keep reading. Here are a few ideas for the more adventurous people in your life.  

Buy an Experience

Guided hunting trips New Mexico are a great alternative to your typical holiday offering, specifically for those who relish in time off the beaten path. There is nothing that shows you care for your friends or family more than giving a gift that they will be able to appreciate for years to come. Buying an experience is an over-looked option that can mean the world to some pone who prefers making memories over a tangible present.

Find the Gear

Suppose the outdoor-loving friends you have in mind already have a few trips planned for the upcoming year. You can add to their excitement by gifting the necessary equipment and gear they need to be safe on their journey. You can look into a guide of ten items of gear every outdoors-person needs to own for recommendations. The following items may also pique your interest:

• Weather protective clothing
• Hiking boots
• Gloves
• Head protection

Picking the perfect present for someone you care about is overwhelming. Still, you can use their hobbies and interests to get your creative juices flowing, making the whole process much more manageable. It also helps to keep a mindful ear out at get-togethers for any hints as to what your friends and family may want when the holidays and birthdays come around. However you choose to surprise your loved ones, you can relish in the warm feeling that comes from giving a killer gift.     

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Gifts for People Who Say They Want Nothing

It is always frustrating to ask someone what they want for a specific holiday, and they answer the dreaded "nothing." Although a few might genuinely want nothing, most do want a gift. They either don't know what they want or can't think of a gift that they need. Instead of making the mistake of not giving anything, try one of these simple gifts.
 

BouquetsWhen in doubt, many gift-givers stick with their go-to option and order bouquets online Boston MA. Bouquets are one of the more perfect gifts; there is a wide variety of different types, sizes, colors and styles of flowers grown in hothouses year-round. You don't have to know the person's favorite to pick one.

Flowers can represent friendship, love or just a thank you. Some bouquets can last for weeks if they are cut with proper care. Many florists will be happy to help you pick the right flowers for the right occasion.
 

PlantsFor those who don't like flowers that don't last, you can always send a plant or foliage collection that does not require a lot of care. Plants are symbols of friendship and life. Even if the person you are giving to doesn't have a green thumb, there are beautiful plants that come with care guides and don't require much attention.

You can find a plant for their office, home or patio. There are plants for every occasion and type of person. With a little research, you can find a plant that suits any personality. One of the best parts about giving plants is that some of them last for years, offering your friend or relative a reminder that you care.
 

Edible BouquetsEdible bouquets are an excellent gift for those who can't have traditional live plants because of pets or allergies. These are usually filled with a variety of sweet treats and fruits. A florist or specialist individually crafts each one to suit the person receiving the gift.

They often have something for every season, holiday and taste. You can order a pumpkin spice basket or a spring fruit Easter arraignment. You could also choose a balloon-filled candy basket for a birthday, or a healthy fruit and nut combination as a get well thought.

You can individually tailor these plants or bouquets for the person you have in mind. Even without knowing a lot about the person, you can pick the perfect gift for the person that says that they want nothing.

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