Christmas Fairs and Markets

One of the things I like to do during the Christmas season is go to fairs and markets. I enjoy the festivities: the atmosphere, Christmas music, meeting friends, talking to venders and I believe in supporting local artisans and vendors.

Christmas Markets have been a tradition in Germany for hundreds of years. I have fond memories of going to the Christmas market in Stuttgart. Eighteen years ago, Kitchener started the annual German-style Christkindl Market. I go every year to celebrate this joyful season.

This year I went to Fair November twice. I tried on this designer coat from Deja Vu Design. So many amazing styles and colours, hard to make a decision but it’s on my wish list!

I bought this original hand-knitted stole by Olga Sara.

Pennies are out of circulation in Canada, but this artisan makes unique jewellery using pennies. Now two cents are worth $25 (talk about inflation!) I bought earrings made with 1952 pennies (my birth year) and a copper ring.

Fair November

Star from Christkindl Market

SLO upcycled mittens

I bought this necklace

I also enjoyed two Christmas bazaars, one at the centre where I work. I bought an eternity scarf (which looks like two scarves when wrapped around twice), part leopard–part lace. I bought a colourful bracelet made with tagua nuts from Ecuador. Tagua nuts can be coloured and carved for beads, buttons and jewellery, they are an excellent replacement for ivory, even being used in bagpipes.

The Christmas bells were ringing at the church where I bought a few gifts. Esenje is very knowledgeable about organic Shea butter and speaks with passion about her natural products which use fair trade Shea butter from Africa!

The sights and sounds of the Christkindl Market were delightful once again. My grandchildren were mesmerized by the fascinating train village.

 Only a few days till Christmas … are you ready?

Merry Christmas!!!

♥ carmen