Saturday I attended my very first Kristkindlmarkt (or ChristKindlMarkt). A Kristkindlmarkt is an open-air market where artisans sell their goods and are associated with the celebration of Christmas.
These markets, although new to me, are in no way new. In fact, according to Wikipedia, the history of Christmas markets goes back to the Late Middle Ages in the German-speaking part of Europe. Dresden’s Strietzelmarkt was first held in 1434.
So, here’s how I came to be at my very first Kristkindlmarkt. It has to do with this sweet man nicknamed “Sweet Paul”.
Sweet Paul (Paul Lowe) happens to put be the creator and editor of a stunningly beautiful magazine that I absolutely adore called, what else? …Sweet Paul. And if you haven’t seen Sweet Paul’s magazine yet, may I suggest you pick up his lovely, inspiring holiday magazine here.
As it happens, Sweet Paul was visiting Terrain in Westport, Connecticut for a signing of his holiday edition. And as it happens, there was also a Kristkindlmarkt happening at the same time at Terrain.
It was a delightful afternoon spent meeting my hero editor, Sweet Paul, and enjoying the market. There was a feeling in the air of holiday warmth; evergreen trees, fig scented candles, mulling cider, heat from the firepits, holiday music softly playing, and all the visually stunning details at Terrain – from the mini-potted poinsettias to the pinecone wreaths, snow blowing overhead, fresh cut winterberries, sparkling displays of lights and ornaments everywhere, and finally, the talented vendors at their open-air stalls selling their original artwork and crafts.
Here are some of my magical highlights of the day:
It was just the thing to get me in the holiday spirit – and without having to set foot in an overcrowded shopping mall! Check back for more celebratory posts this week as we count down to Thanksgiving!
{images: sweet paul magazine cover; christkindlmarkt in germany}
