I’ve found I’m tapping into my spirituality more here. Even though this is a very Catholic country, and I’m so so not Catholic, being surrounded by the stunning churches, the religious artwork, and having some time to read and listen to books about Jesus and Mary Magdalene has allowed me to connect again with the spirit within me. Although I’m not fully celebrating the birth of Jesus in the same way a religious person would, I am honouring his life and the lives of those who walked with him all those years ago.
Since we are here, Markus suggested that we attend midnight mass. We went to a beautiful Jesuit Church, arriving a bit early and walking around the neighbourhood until the service started. It was cold and dark and peaceful. The Jesuit priest had a very calm presence, even though I didn’t understand most of the German mass. The music was also beautiful, and sitting there bundled up in our coats gave me time to really appreciate the structure and statues.
Markus had the foresight to bring our stockings, so we all opened small gifts and ridiculous amounts of chocolate on Christmas morning. It was a quiet day, as most things are closed, but we did go to Prater where there is an amusement park for a bit in the late afternoon. Annie didn’t want to go on rides alone, and Markus and I weren’t about to, so we just walked around and enjoyed the fresh air.
We called Rebecca, and it we were all sorry not to be spending time with her over the holidays. Hopefully our next trip she can join us. Then calls to my family, who sounded like they were all enjoying the celebrations.
Overall, a different but beautiful Christmas.
