Christmas is in the air and I am looooving it. I'm not used to seeing Christmas decorations until right after Thanksgiving, but Graz has been decorated for about two weeks now. Tonight was the first night they lit up the huge Christmas tree in the middle of Hauptplatz (the city square). Hauptplatz is constantly buzzing with people and activity these days...there are various Christkindlmarkts which consist of little wooden houses from which people sell ornaments, homemade crafts and goods, gluehwein (hot mulled wine with sugar and spices...delicious), waffles, etc. We also have the largest advent calendar in all of Europe. They set up this huge light display that shines on the Rathaus (main government building) and shows the number of days until Christmas. It has been snowing like crazy all day long (almost half a foot so far, and it's still going strong), but we braved the weather and walked to Hauptplatz to watch the festivities.

Photos from top to bottom: 1) The front of the Rathaus before they lit it up. If you look closely, you can see some guys playing trumpets on the balcony. 2) Buildings and people downtown. 3) Mary being adorable. 4) Christmas tree, pre-lights. The lights you can see in the picture are on one of the Christkindl stands. 5) Lights! The pictures don't do it any justice, but the tree is enormous.
















































In conclusion: I love Christmas, Austria and snow. Life is good.