What images come to your mind if you talk about December in Germany? Snow covered mountain tops. Giant Christmas trees alight. Traditional Christmas markets?

Munich alone has more than a dozen different markets: from the main market on Marienplatz with a Christmas crib market to the medieval market where artists in historical costumes perform dances and merchants sell delicious food or crafted goods. Then there are the different markets in Munich's boroughs such as Schwabing or Haidhausen and one in the famous landscape park, the Englischer Garten with the "Chinese tower": in summer a favorite Biergarten, at Christmas time it hosts a tiny market with merry-go-rounds, Blasmusik and traditional food such as Bratwurste (fried sausages) and Gluhwein (mulled wine). Or would you rather go to the Blutenburger Weihnacht in a castle from the 15th century or the "market for the senses" on Prater-Island located in the river Isar? Even at the airport you can stroll around the decorated stalls and go ice-skating!

Besides all these Munich markets there is of course the world famous Nuremberg Christkindlesmarket with 180 booths all decorated with real fir branches and red-and-white cloth. Don't miss the goodies such as spicy gingerbread or fruit loaves, traditional toys or Christmas tree ornaments, candles, and the "Plum people" - little figures made of prunes.

Almost every town or village in Bavaria features its own market. Picturesque towns such as Garmisch-Patenkirchen, Oberammergau, Wasserburg or Bad Tolz provide the perfect background for Christmas flair. Stroll around ancient market squares, stop for a hot cup of steaming coffee, taste a slice of Stollen (rich yeast cake with loads of candied fruits), buy some gifts, have a Bratwurst and some Gluhwein. There is no better way to get into a festive spirit!
Some of these markets are open only for a few days or on weekends, some for the entire 4 weeks of Advent. Most open Friday, November 24 this year and last until Christmas Eve. So if you happen to be in Germany during that time, make sure to visit at least one of them!

Munich does Christmas up right.
The whole city is ablaze with light and each neighbourhood seems to have its own Christmas market. You'll have great fun tracking them all down. This photo is from the main one at Marienplatz. It's very busy with lots of stalls selling all sorts of things - from nativity figures, to woollen hats and scarfs and of course Christmas decorations. Make sure to treat yourself to a mug of Gluewein (a warm, spicy wine that is great on cold, winter nights)! For 2 to 3 EUR extra you can keep the mug. Each Gluhwein stand has a different one which make great gifts for friends back home. You can fill them with German chocolate, roasted nuts or whatever sweet treat strikes your fancy.
Music is everywhere and it's likely St. Nicholas will make an appearance. Arrive hungry as the smells from the food stalls are intoxicating and you will want to sample the great food on offer.
If you tire of the crowds at Marienplatz, step back in time by visiting the nearby Medieval Christmas Market. It features Gothic style stalls, a Celtic Arcade, and kiosks made of wood to replicate historical medieval market architecture.
 

Think of the children

In Ghana, this little girl is fortunate to have access to eye care services that don't exist for many children in the developing world. Photo by Wairimu Gitahi.

When poverty leads to blindness, it's truly heartbreaking because there is little hope without outside help. Countless children miss out on an education, simply because they can't afford a pair of eyeglasses - they can't see the chalkboard or focus on words in books. The little girls, especially, are doomed to live wretched, marginalized lives if no one reaches out to them..

Universal Children's Day is coming up on November 20. This is a good time to think about kids in trouble, especially those threatened by blindness and low vision. Did you know that every minute, a child goes blind somewhere in the world?.

In 1954, the United Nations created Universal Children's Day, knowing that the youngest are often most at risk. Today, the day is celebrated all over the world to promote international improvement of children's welfare..

Operation Eyesight is deeply concerned about the welfare of children. Our program partners work directly with children and their mothers to improve the conditions that promote eye health. In India, all of our partner hospitals now run optical shops and pharmacies in conjunction with the eye units. We also support immunization programs, nutrition classes, eye screenings and access to job training. Among our African partners, this same vision is becoming a reality.

Here's an idea. If you'd like to reach out to a child right now, see if you have a spare $20. That will purchase an eye exam and brand new custom-fitted eyeglasses for three children in Africa or India (yes, you read that right - three individual pairs of glasses). Operation Eyesight's online Gift Guide the has details about this, along with other ways to help kids in need. Have a look, and thanks for thinking about the children..