The holidays are definitely on their way, and I am almost completely in denial. Even as I shove my face with Schmalzkuchen and Glühwein and enjoy the festivities of the Christmas markets, somehow the idea that I am flying to Seattle next week to celebrate Christmas with my family, and after that to Mexico to celebrate New Year’s with mein Schatz‘s father, seems light years away.
I think the denial comes from some impending deadlines in January which leave me quite panicked every time I think of them. A real downside to working on my PhD is never really having an off-switch or being able to clock out and not think about everything I have yet to accomplish. (If you’ve figured out how to solve this, please share your tips!) But if I am honest with myself, I will admit that even if I worked straight through the holidays (which I more or less did last year, save a few days in Hannover), I wouldn’t accomplish a dang bit more than if I just concentrate and work efficiently in the limited amount of time that I do have.
So I’m trying to switch my mindset from stressed to focused, because I want to enjoy the anticipation leading up to actually being home with my family for Christmas, which unfortunately has become too much of a rarity (hello, outrageous transatlantic travel costs). I know our time with them is going to speed by, especially trying to keep up with my two little nephews who change and grow tremendously between every visit. Children are really the most accurate measures of the passing of time, and they are what remind me that every once in awhile, it’s time to go home.
On that sentimental note, let me leave you with some photos from Bremen’s Christmas markets. While there won’t be a lot of activity on this blog until January, I’ll certainly be around and online, so you’re welcome to drop me a line or hang out with me over on Twitter. But just in case we don’t cross paths until then, let me wish you a guten Rutsch (or a good slide) into the new year!
Looking for more Christmas in Germany posts? Check these out:
Safe travels to Seattle!! Love the Christmas market pictures. I was so bummed I was about a week too early to catch any.
I know what you mean about being in denial the year is almost over!!