Cornelia - English

My name is Cornelia. I live in a little village close to Hamelin where the Pied Piper comes from. I have a daughter of 6 years. Me and my husband have a lot of fun with her. I'd like to improve my English and I have found a good teacher here for this request.
I like to travel and I find it always good to speak another language. I really admire people who speak several languages fluently. And maybe one day I speak at least English fluently.

Life in the country - by Anna-Lena

I like the tractors, the cows and the fresh air. If I had to live in a big city, I would miss all these things. I love to go for a walk through the fields and the forest. From my window I have a panoramic view which I wouldn't have in a city. That is why I prefer to live in the country.
Where do you live? In a city or in the country?

Penfriends - by Ilka

I have a penfriend now. Her name is Florence, she is ten years old and comes from England. We have exchanged three letters so far. Maybe I can meet her in person one day.
Writing letters is fun! :-)

New Year's Eve - by Alexander

I was with my uncle. Dinner was fantastic! We had raclette. After that we went for a walk and found an umbrella with holes. When we went back home, we watched "Dinner for One". This play is a comedy in black and white where an old lady celebrates her 90th birthday with four imaginary guests she has outlived long ago. Only her butler is with her and impersonates each of the guests. This piece is shown on TV every year on December 31.
At midnight we went out and let off fireworks. I went to bed at 7 o'clock the next morning.

Noël et la Saint-Sylvestre - par Jan

Noël, c'est la même chose tous les ans. Le 24 décembre nous allons d'abord à l'église. Après, nous échangeons les cadeaux et ensuite, nous prenons le dîner.
Le 25 décembre nous allons chez ma grand-mère pour prendre le réveillon: de la selle de chevreuil rôtie avec des quenelles de pomme de terre et du chou rouge.
Le lendemain nous allons voir d'autres membres de la famille.

Pour la Saint-Sylvestre j'ai invité quelques copains. Nous avons mangé des pizzas, et ensuite, nous sommes sortis pour allumer des feux d'artifices. Nous avons écouté de la musique toute la soirée.

Je souhaite une bonne année à tous qui lisent ce texte!

Christmas customs - by Patrick

In our village there are a few local customs at Christmas, for example the Christmas Pageant. It is organized by the local children's church group or by the catechumens. Every year on Christmas Eve all the people of our village go to church to see the Christmas Pageant.
Another local tradition we have is the Christmas Market which takes place every two years. Merchants from the village set up their booths on the market square. They sell all kinds of Christmas decorations and lots of things to eat and drink, for example "Glühwein" (a traditional German Christmas wine with spices, served hot).
One more special custom we have is the "Open Advent Window". In Germany, children have an Advent Calendar: from December 1st to 24th they open a door each day to find a little treat. In our village 24 houses decorate a beautiful Christmas Window and open their doors, each day a different one.
And you? How do you celebrate Christmas? Are there any particular customs in your country?
Patrick