Above and below the roofs

When I was younger I used to dislike that our city was decorated with Christmas lights for almost 2 months before Christmas. Christmas feeling was everywhere and everyone talked about it. People were stressed out and running around trying to make sure that they have prepared everything for upcoming holidays.

I thought that it was just a marketing trick to get people to buy more and more and more. I actually still believe that this is true but I'm not tempted to go shopping anymore. My life priorities have changed and I go shopping only when it's really necessary. When you don't feel that pressure to buy things because Christmas is 'behind the corner' you can start enjoying the atmosphere and this is what I do since a few years.

I love walking around in the evening looking at those beautiful Christmas lights and decorations feeling like I was in a fairy tale, stopping at the stands selling various Christmas drinks and drinking a cup of mulled wine, and talking to my friends about their Christmas menus as food became much more important to me than the presents. Give me some home made goodies and you'll make me happy.

Today, I'd like to show some impressions from above and below the roofs in our city. We live in the old town and we have stunning views from our windows. I enjoy looking at those uneven roofs. All houses are attached to each other but they are so different. It's interesting and I can easily spend half an hour sitting in front of the window and doing nothing (no, I don't watch people).

It was a crazy day. The sun was shining and all of the sudden there were dark clouds and lots of rain. Then it was sunny again. All these photos were taken during one day.

The evaporation after the rain makes it look like a different season of the year.

And we had a rainbow too! It was a double rainbow but the second one is not very visible on the photo.

We have seen the city from above the roofs already and now it's time to go below and walk to the city to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere.

Simplicity is the key. Our Christmas trees are not overly decorated and I like the way they are. The main Christmas tree was being built that day and we couldn't wait for it, so I will show it to you next time.

Every year, a wooden restaurant is built for the Christmas period. They serve typical Swiss dishes such as Alpler macaroni, fondue or garlic bread. The restaurant will be there for about two months and then it will be dismantled again.

The symbol of Schaffhausen is the bock and this is why it was placed in front of the restaurant.

And here are some stands with food. There are not that many people yet as Christmas is still a month away but the square will be getting busier each day.

It doesn't look like they were having a lot of fun, does it? But don't worry, the Swiss are very private people and they don't really party in public.

We also had the opportunity to listen to the yodel. I haven't had a chance to experience it before and I must admit that I liked it. They were great!

I liked their traditional costumes as well.

And let's move to another square now. It looks busier here. It's because these stands are at the square with shopping streets.

This is where we got our mulled wine too! We have however brought our own cups to reduce our plastic use.

There was another performance too. I'm not that fond of this one as I don't like the music they are playing but people were dancing, singing and clapping like it was something fantastic. I prefer other fun activities though.

The band was getting ready, so we had to move fast not to hear another performance 😊

And here is our simple decoration. It looks like a sky full of stars in the evening. I might show it to you next time too!

I hope you have enjoyed being part of our local festivities.

Thank you for visiting!

Cheers!