“Write a rant!” was what the editorial team said again. Editor’s note: Rant, which = malicious excitement about a thing, a topic, to the point of destroying that thing in writing.My suggestion that I don’t have a back but rather writer’s block is deliberately ignored. An outburst during the Christmas period, it doesn’t mean that I’ve had all positive experiences, I try to intervene weakly, but the verdict is: I should get angry again, in the most irrelevant way possible, in the meanest way possible, to quote a well-known Olaf.
Theme? Christmas markets. Brrrr. They, as is known, are even worse than their reputation; after all, it is no longer about contemplation, but simply about satisfying lower needs with the help of lower goods: eating, drinking, lanterns.Or bratwurst, mulled wine, lanterns.
20 minute wait for a spicy and sugary porridge, overpriced
Of course, we are not the first to notice that drinking mulled wine at the Christmas market is not just contemplative: you stand in the cold (it’s true, it can sometimes be 15 degrees in December) and wait 20 minutes with a sugary spicy liqueur and too much Dear. ,and then yell at each other over uncomfortable bar tables and music that’s too loud,while the feeling slowly fades from your toes and your tongue goes numb. It is indeed no surprise that non-Christmas related riots occured at local Christmas markets in November this year.
There is the city of Frankfurt, where there was an unprecedented recall campaign, even tho neither Peter Feldmann nor any trophies were involved. The cups designed for Christmas markets were too perilous! Only cold drinks can be sipped from it, and anyone who has ever tasted cold mulled wine in a tetra pack knows that it is indeed only suitable for freshers’ parties or, at most, for tests of courage. However, the enamel on several mugs had cracked, making the mugs a safety risk. According to the mug manufacturer, the cause of the error is a shortened baking process in the country of production, China, known for its extravagant christmas atmosphere.
Then another accident occurred or is said to have occurred in Stralsund, the police are looking for witnesses: according to initial information, a four-year-old boy stuck his tongue out at Santa Claus several times in a wholly anti-Christian way. Santa Claus is then said to have given one with a rod to the boy – this in turn could also be read as an indication of a certain sense of tradition – as an “educational measure”. Santa Claus, who works full time for the city, denies the blow, claims only to have touched the child’s buttocks with his rod and, in full tradition, quoted the poem Knecht-Ruprecht, with which a four-year-old years old guy sticking his tongue out in 2024 I’m sure many contemplative things can begin.
To make matters worse, the “Quattro Zampe” association, which we greatly appreciate in the (un)official animals department, has now advised against bringing dogs to the Christmas market. Smell! “Crowds of people,loud noises and accidental footsteps on paws and tails are more horror than anticipation of Christmas for our animals,who have a keen sense of hearing and smell,” said a pet expert from the Association of German News agencies,which is probably true One thing can be transferred to some human fellow sufferers: Don’t like crowds? Check. Don’t like having your feet stepped on? Check.Are you afraid of loud noises? Check.Maybe that bad-tempered acquaintance is actually a dog at the Christmas market.
Incidentally,someone else avoids the Christmas market,but not because of the crowds or loud noises: Baden-Württemberg Prime Minister Winfried Kretschmann,asked about his absence at the Christmas market,said: “I don’t need anything else .” Oh, Grinch! Nothing is sacred to him, not even toasted almonds! Dear Mr.Kretschmann, we ”need” the crowd, the overpriced spicy and sugary liqueur, the stamping feet, the crepes with Nutella, the crooked lanterns, the tasteless Christmas baubles, the loud noises, the cups that burst due to hot and so on. Even the pre-Christmas atmosphere can’t be felt everywhere! Us Want but at least every now and then, in good doses, especially at Christmas. Let loose!
I have to go,I still have an appointment. Mulled wine stand, here I come!
What are the key benefits of visiting Christmas markets during the holiday season?
Interview: Christmas Markets – A Festive Delight or a Frustrating Experience?
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone, to today’s special segment where we delve into the chaos and charm of Christmas markets. Joining me is Dr. Emily Hargrove, social behavior expert and fond observer of holiday traditions. Emily, thank you for being here!
Dr. Emily Hargrove: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to dive into this discussion, especially as we reflect on the nuances of holiday experiences.
Editor: Let’s jump right in! Ther’s an ongoing debate about whether Christmas markets embody the spirit of the holidays or have devolved into a frenzy of consumerism. What’s yoru take?
Dr. Hargrove: It’s a fascinating contradiction,isn’t it? On one hand,Christmas markets are a celebratory tradition filled with lights,food,and community gathering. But on the other, they can turn into a chaotic dining experience where impatience reigns—especially considering the long lines for something as simple as a spicy porridge.
Editor: Right! It’s almost a rite of passage to wait 20 minutes in the cold for a cup of overpriced mulled wine.Is it all part of the experience or a maddening ritual that makes us question our sanity?
Dr.Hargrove: It’s definitely a double-edged sword. Waiting in line, freezing, while shouting over loud music just to grab a taste of that nostalgia-laden bratwurst can lead to frustration. Yet, these moments create memories—albeit sometimes not the pleasant ones we’d prefer to reflect upon!
Editor: Speaking of frustrations, you mentioned earlier that this year saw non-Christmas related riots at markets. What do you think prompted such behavior?
Dr. Hargrove: That’s an meaningful and troubling observation. The overcrowding and high prices can lead to tension among individuals who may already be on edge during the holiday season. When combined with the indulgent consumption and the sometimes overwhelming sensory experience of the markets, it’s no wonder emotions can flare up.
Editor: You articulated a key point—sensory overload. The classic Christmas market scene often includes sights and sounds that can be delightful but also overwhelming. Can you speak on how this impacts our festive experience?
Dr. Hargrove: Absolutely. While sensory stimuli like twinkling lights and festive music aim to create joy and wonder, they can lead to stress when one is trying to navigate crowded spaces. The challenge is enjoying the spectacle while managing one’s personal comfort.In a way, it mirrors the larger theme of the holidays: celebrating togetherness amidst personal chaos.
Editor: So, do you believe there’s a way to resurrect the intended reflective spirit of the season amidst the chaos of the markets?
Dr. Hargrove: I think it’s entirely possible! Creating intentional moments—perhaps selecting less crowded times to attend, or seeking out quaint, less commercialized markets—can foster a return to contemplation. The festive spirit doesn’t solely thrive on the bustle; it also grows in quieter moments of connection and reflection.
editor: Wise words! In summation, as we celebrate the holiday season, perhaps we can aim for a balance—embracing the joy without losing ourselves in the chaos.Thank you, Emily, for sharing your insights today!
Dr. Hargrove: Thank you for having me! May your holiday experiences, whether at markets or elsewhere, be filled with joy—and perhaps a little less chaos!
Editor: And to our viewers, here’s hoping your Christmas market visits are enjoyable rather than maddening. until next time!