If there was one word to describe my 2 weeks of winter holidays here in Berlin, I would use- CRAZY!!! These past two weeks have been absolutely insane. Where do I even start...

I spent the first few days of break hanging out with friends and desperately trying to find gifts that I could afford for my host family. I ended up getting my brothers musik gift cards, my parents a German comedy CD, Christiane recieved a hand-made apron from my mom (because she is always cooking), I burned my oma the entire Well-Tempered Clavier (which was a lot of work- 5 CDS) and got her some cooking supplies, for the famliy I gave them a book about Madison, and my parents from the States got them a board game and some amazing home-made sweets...mmm. I'm not going to lie, I was a little bit nervous for Christmas because I didn't know what to expect and I didn't want my host parents to feel like they NEEDED to get me things... but it all worked out.

The night of the 23rd I visited a really nice Christmas Market in Berlin, and also went to the Galeries Lafayette. (they speak french there).




On the 24th, (Germans exchange gifts and celebrate Christmas on the 24th, not the 25th) we stayed home for the whole day, my host brother did some last minute shopping, I helped decorate the tree (which sadly is not a family thing), and I wrapped some presents. My Oma and Mama were busy making a delicious Fondu dinner for that night, and we all just enjoyed eachothers company. And that is when it started... my family started to ask me all these questions about my traditions... and I told them all of the things I know about Christmas in America. (which sadly was not very much because I celebrated Christmas differently than most people when I was young). They were really confused why I didn't know so much about such a big holiday, and they kept on asking questions about my traditions, my parents trandions- and I tried my best to answer them, but I ended up excusing myself and locking myself in my room for a couple minutes because I got so emotional. I started to heave, and tears came to my eyes... and it was really unexpected. When I was a kid we didn't do lights, or santa, or presents... which was totally fine with me back than because I didn't really understand the significance of the holiday. We always did something special, like going out to eat, singing carols, and one year we went to a hotel with a cool waterpark inside (I remember thinking it was the BEST day of my life). We always had a lot of fun! But... after hearing all the stories of my oma, mama, papa, and brothers christmas experiences... I realized that I never got the chance to believe in santa claus, I never left out milk and cookies for him, I never woke up at the crack of dawn to RUN down the stairs to find presents under a tree... I felt like there was a hole in my childhood- like I had missed out on something special.

After unlocking my door and wiping away the tears, I told myseld: "Ben, this is not a big deal. you are going to get over this and you are going to enjoy yourself." BUT- then my host mom came up the stairs and told me to start getting ready. And I asked, "for what?" And she said, "Dinner." I was so confused! I didn't know if that meant I should change... or take a shower, or brush my teeth. So I decided to go back in my room and put the best thing on I could find- which was sadly a blue sweater and black jeans. When I was done, I opened up my door again, and see my Oma, papa, and two host brothers in REALLY nice clothing... and I told them I didn't have anything nicer and I was sorry- they were understanding. I was about to walk downstairs when they all asked, "what are you doing?" I responded,"going downstairs." Then they proceeded to explain to me the we ,"Have to wait for the bell." I was emotional as it was... but after they told me that I just couldn't take it- I WAS SO CONFUSED. I told them I needed something in my room and then locked the door cried a little more. After the 2nd breakdown I was really determined to make the night a good night. Sure I was confused about my traditions, and I was VERY confused about their traditions... but I put on a smile, unlocked the door, and patiently waited with them on the upstairs landing. After about 10 minutes we heard a ring from downstairs and all walked down and stood in front of the tree. My family than turned on some musik and started singing a really long complilation of German Christmas songs. After they finished, we all started to open presents. My host family here were very generous. I became some winter gear, cologne, DVD about Berlin, Grammar book, and a new Cell Phone. My parents from the States got me a new camera and a book and it was very nice of them! I now finally have a CAMERA! That means- MORE PICTURES! After opening presents, eating the AMAZING fondue, and talking a little bit I felt like I really belonged there, and I forgot all the confusion, and sadness I was feeling before! I'm so lucky to have such an amazing host family.

On actual Christmas DAY, we didnt really do anything. We ate a traditional German meal, and a few friends of mine came over! It was a really great time :)


Christmas Eve Dinner
Our Tree

Nativity Scene

The days in between Christmas and New Years were pretty normal. I didn't go into the city to many times because I was tired and just wanted to chill... but I got to see a lot of friends and that was nice.

ONE HUGE THING-
IT SNOWED... A LOT!
I just measured the snow outside and we have 16 cm! and it is STILL snowing. My parents keep on telling me how lucky I am because normally there is nowhere near to this much snow in Berlin!

Now... New Years Eve- WAS AMAZING! IT WAS THE BEST NEW YEARS EVER!!! After a little bit of convincing I got my host parents to let me and some friends go to Brandenburger Tor! I was feeling like it wouldn't really be an AMAZING time, because of the snow and immense amount of people... but I was proven WRONG- it was AMAZING and MORE! First, my 2 friends Maria, and Maria came over with their friend Maria from Equador. Turns out she is currently living in Wisconsin and studying in Appleton (big world ey?). The three Marias and I chilled for a little bit and then made our way downtown to meet up with some other friends of ours. When we got there it was like an insane war zone. we were walking down the street and there were firworks going off all over the place and we were always afraid we would get hit! There were so many people, and our shoes started to get a bit wet... and the wettness turned into FROZENESS! We all couldn't feel our feet. After a bit of walking, we found an entrance and sneakily snuck through the huge crowd. We made it pretty close to the front and were able to see what was happening on stage. It was such a special moment, because we were surrounded my loud, pulsing musik, and we all were dancing and talking with the people around us, and it was just AMAZING! We got to hear a lot of famous German artists singing, and brought in the new year with fireworks and of course- good luck kisses! MAGICAL MOMENT!




Heres a video of the countdown:




We finished up the night by heading back to my house. (it was an adventure- we got stuck in a street with INSANE AMOUNT OF FIREWORKS- they were going off EVERYWHERE) Once we got there we drank a celebratory glass of champaign with my host family, and got our fortunes read of the next year. We melted these pieces of metal on spoons, then threw them in water! Mine was really smooth and looked like a cross between a goose and a gondala. My host parents told me that means through hard work I will suceed... but I will be poor- haha!


At around 3 my host parents said goodnight and at 4 I skyped with my parents in the States. I got to see a lot of people I know because there was a party at my house- it was nice. I think I ended up getting to bed around 5.15 or so.

I think it is safe to say that this year has been pretty amazing and life-changing. SO much happened in 2009. I turned 16, I got my liscense, I sang in my first musical, I became an exchange student, I set foot on Europe's soil for the first time, I learned a new language, a have a 2nd family, and I have made some friends that I hope I never will loose! I'm excited to see how 2010 plays out. First thing to look forward to is my birthday number 17- which is in one week!