Where are the Christmas markets?

The month of December throughout Germany is rife with festive Weihnachstmarkts (Christmas markets). Each town adds their own flare - tree-lighting ceremonies, local food, Christmas cookies and (of course) glühwein - that it is worth traveling throughout the country to witness the one-upmanship. Just look at some pictures makes one grow nostalgic.


My wife & I are in the States for the remainder of the holiday and we've gotten our fill of shopping in over the last few days. But as we travel from mall-to-mall, we find ourselves asking, "Where are the Christmas markets? Where has this wonderful tradition gone in the States?" My wife lives in a relatively small town of comparable size to Wiesbaden (300k) and while there are comparable markets at other times of the year, still no market in "Historic Downtown".

If this is a result of the PC holiday season, then I don't like it. Nothing promotes community like socializing over a shared libation - be it a beer, wine, or glühwein. The Germans lead by example with their fest for every occasion!! This is one thing I'll truly miss about living in Germany - walking from our apartment to a fest. Upon our return, I hope to move to a town that isn't afraid to celebrate this tradition.
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Saving money...and the unpopularity of thrifty-ness

Found a really good article that details the decline of American saving and suggests the Perfect Storm: cars, television, credit cards & shopping carts.

Living in Europe, I can attest to the fact that the presence of shopping carts and cars for everyday shopping is much more prevalent in the States. Sadly, I fear this American trend is spreading with more megastores that require personal transportation and large carts to lug purchases. Read more...