Glitches in Tastefulness

Generally, Germans collectively and individually tend towards delicate tastefulness when it comes to their Christmas decorations.

The trees lining the streets are strewn with white fairy lights.

The window decorations are often made of natural materials, like wood, or plants, glass or cloth.

Definitely, not the colourful plastic glaring glitter I so well remember from my Canadian childhood. (Sigh.)

Even so, there are a few glitches in tastefulness to be discovered in Luebeck.

A carousel squished in between a beautiful cathedral and historical monuments of the Middle Ages.

Or, how do like the new fashion of seat warmers looking like St. Nicolas’ hat?

“Special”, wouldn’t you say?

Note: I wrote this last Saturday, on St. Nicolas’ Day. A joyous celebration, when children wake to their boots filled with candy and small treats. Well, that is in most households. St. Nick actually showed up in our household after lunch. He must have been busy elsewhere.

Signs, Windows, And Window Shopping

My beloved city of Luebeck, Germany is a wonderful place to window shop. This city is a UNESCO city and thus has very strict restriction on public advertising; so that the oldness shines through.

In a manoeuvre to make retailer’s lives more difficult, the city charges rents from shopowners for hanging up signs. Many store owners etch signs onto their doors or windows to avoid these ridiculous fees. And, the window and door etchings add to the overall aesthetics of this city.

I’m not much of a shopper, but I do admire good window decoration, or shop sign.



This video is a homily to this city of wonderful shops.