This is one of my favorite Substack publications. I love the illustrations that accompany the words. Or is it really the other way around?
And night markets - yes! I loved the night markets in the old city of Chiang Mai. It felt like you were out with the whole community, strolling leisurely, and taking in the sights and sounds of the warm evening air.
What is it about the Christmas market? THE GLUWEIN! Yes! All of the above. Last year, when I walked through the Antwerp and the Brugge Christmas markets, I felt right in the middle of a Hallmark movie. It was bliss. They offer the "something-other-than-normal-life" twinkle needed to make life meaningful. I love this so much!
"Step outside" and "Let me give you the feeling..." Those two thoughts seem to transform Christmas into something natural and internal rather than consumeristic. (I'm pretty sure I made up that word.)
I lived in Hamburg in the 80s/90s -- in the winter when the Alster (lake) would freeze, a holiday market would be assembled on the ice, complete with portable stoves ... and in the morning the ice was covered with red (from the gluhwein!). So fun.
My problem with this sort of thing is that markets are really about selling stuff and taking your money. All the rest is fluff and marketing. I much prefer meeting people somewhere that money is not the raison d'être.
Nice post by the way - fine calligraphy and artwork.
I understand your sentiment, but my impression taken awar from the descriptions I've read is that these markets are for those who make handmade treasures that can be very personal to give as gits. The items they make come from the heart and are made with love. They are local and not at all corporate or commercial. They are seasonal Christmas villages that invite a community experience when people might be otherwise isolated. I'd love to experience one. Sounds delightful! ✨️
I have been to them, and yes they are fun, but especially at this time of year it seems somehow wrong to me to sell creations rather than simply give them. I know, I don’t live on the same planet as everyone else 😉
Those people might give away lots of what they make to loved ones, but depend on the markets to sustain their livelihood, which probably sustains more than just them...probably a family. I think that is what is was like before capitalistic corporations twisted "selling" into a more nefarious thing.
As usual, a beautiful start to my day.
I lived in the Netherlands for 7 years and visited those Christmas markets there and in Belgium! You captured their essence so well!
It’s the community we need during the long dark nights
This is one of my favorite Substack publications. I love the illustrations that accompany the words. Or is it really the other way around?
And night markets - yes! I loved the night markets in the old city of Chiang Mai. It felt like you were out with the whole community, strolling leisurely, and taking in the sights and sounds of the warm evening air.
Me too. The Thai night markets and Cambodian are really magical and a relief from daylight heat…
What is it about the Christmas market? THE GLUWEIN! Yes! All of the above. Last year, when I walked through the Antwerp and the Brugge Christmas markets, I felt right in the middle of a Hallmark movie. It was bliss. They offer the "something-other-than-normal-life" twinkle needed to make life meaningful. I love this so much!
This is a lovely Christmas post to share with my friends who have traveled and been to many of these markets. Thanks again, Candace!
"Step outside" and "Let me give you the feeling..." Those two thoughts seem to transform Christmas into something natural and internal rather than consumeristic. (I'm pretty sure I made up that word.)
I lived in Hamburg in the 80s/90s -- in the winter when the Alster (lake) would freeze, a holiday market would be assembled on the ice, complete with portable stoves ... and in the morning the ice was covered with red (from the gluhwein!). So fun.
Markets are for people. Supermarkets are for consumers.
Merry Christmas, Candace. I just love using the word merry.
Beautiful! 💚🎄
Personal commerce allowing social skills to blossom a community!
Love this, thank you! ❤
A perfect description, I feel as though I’ve been there with you, thank you!
✨️Beautiful description of Night Markets with sweet, charming graphics. Drew me in like a warm hug. 🪔
My problem with this sort of thing is that markets are really about selling stuff and taking your money. All the rest is fluff and marketing. I much prefer meeting people somewhere that money is not the raison d'être.
Nice post by the way - fine calligraphy and artwork.
It’s a spirit of being there, no need to spend…
Richard,
I understand your sentiment, but my impression taken awar from the descriptions I've read is that these markets are for those who make handmade treasures that can be very personal to give as gits. The items they make come from the heart and are made with love. They are local and not at all corporate or commercial. They are seasonal Christmas villages that invite a community experience when people might be otherwise isolated. I'd love to experience one. Sounds delightful! ✨️
🎄Karen
I have been to them, and yes they are fun, but especially at this time of year it seems somehow wrong to me to sell creations rather than simply give them. I know, I don’t live on the same planet as everyone else 😉
Those people might give away lots of what they make to loved ones, but depend on the markets to sustain their livelihood, which probably sustains more than just them...probably a family. I think that is what is was like before capitalistic corporations twisted "selling" into a more nefarious thing.
Christmas markets are full of joy and magic and make you feel like a child again! Love this piece 🤍