G is for Gifts

Since I haven't shared any photos from Christmas yet, I decided to post some photos of Christmas gifts for Jenny's Alphabe-Thursday. For me, the wrapping is just as important as the gift itself -- it adds a touch of caring and also an element of surprise. This year I added snowflakes to my gifts.

I bought this wooden heart at a Christmas market.

The gifts aren't big -- but they bring joy and add to the festivity of the season. I was delighted to see the Frozen soundtrack among my gifts.

I also got a daily calendar from Disney -- A Year of Animation.

Do you like the design of these blank notesbooks? You might find them at your local IKEA.

Here's a gift by a dear friend from Sweden. By chance, I happened to watch Journey to the Christmas Star on December 24. One sweet character is an imp called Mose. So guess how this little guy is now called.

I really like these thoughtful gifts -- I sure hope you got some nice gifts, too.

Happy New Year

I hope you had a great start into 2014!

 

In Munich, we had dry, clear weather.

Perfect conditions for fireworks.

The neighbors had bought fabulous stuff.

I watched and enjoyed it.

I also held up my camera.

This year I am happy with the results.

Such a fest of shapes and colors.

Just beautiful.

What a welcome for 2014!

Do you feel the joy of living?

Pure delight.

So for 2014 I wish you ...

 

... happiness, ...

... health, ...

... joy, ...

... great surprises, ...

... lots of comments (for you bloggers!), ...

... fun, ...

... lovely moments, ...

 

... and everything you wish for yourself!

Here's to a truly magical New Year!

 

F is for Frozen

My F for Jenny's Alphabe-Thursday is Frozen this time. Disney's Frozen that is. The German title is Die Eiskönigin (The Ice Queen).

Do you remember my post about the HUGE wallpaper in a passage to a movie theater in Munich's city center featuring Disney's Monsters University? In December, you could admire scenes from Frozen. Below you see Marshmallow, the ice monster.

Here's Kristoff riding on Sven -- coming to Anna's rescue.

That's lovely Anna with Olaf, the snowman.

Here you see the whole group together.

Here's Olaf again -- dreaming of summer.

I watched Frozen twice. The first time was a test screening in 2D. Afterwards, the whole audience filled in a questionnaire. I am quite sure most people gave the movie a high rating -- the atmosphere in the cinema hall during the performance was great. About two weeks later I was invited to a 3D screening by IKEA. While I don't need to watch each movie in 3D, I was delighted to see the snowflakes drifting from the screen in Frozen. Great effects!

There was another huge promotion image in the windows of the movie theater.

 People standing in line to buy popcorn, drinks, and other snacks.

The Mathäser is a great nice movie theater with an interesting architecture.

Have you already watched Frozen? If yes, how did you like it? Along with Tangled, it's high on my list of favorite Disney movies. Not one dull moment and wonderful music. I can't count how often I have sung Let It Go in the last few weeks. For some magical winter moments and family-friendly entertainment, don't hesitate to watch Frozen!

E is for Elephant

A sweet little elephant in my neighborhood -- and a great E for Jenny's Alphabe-Thursday. 

Pink Oberpollinger

Oberpollinger, a department store in Munich, has a wonderful light decoration in December. The light changes slowly from gold to deep red and also pink. Sure thing I have to share a photo for Beverly's Pink Saturday.

Happy Pink Saturday!

C is for Christkindlmarkt & D is for Dult

I combine two of Jenny's Alphabe-Thursdays in this post, starting with a stroll over one of Munich's Christkindlmärkte (Christmas markets). The booth below is named Angel Charm (Engerl Zauber), selling lots of sweet angels.

 

Talking of sweet stuff, here you can get just that. The fragrance is heavenly!

A bit further down the road (it's the pedestrian zone in Munich's city center), you get a lot of varities of Glühwein (mulled wine).

This booth reminds me of the witch's Lebkuchenhaus (gingerbread house) in the fairy tale Hänsel und Gretel.

Now we have arrived at Marienplatz (Mary's Square), the very center of Munich. In the background you see the tall and beautiful Christmas tree in front of the New Town Hall.

Delicate lace ornaments.

Lots of beautiful Christmas ornaments to discover.

There is so much too see -- it's nearly a visual overload.

I happened to be at the square at 11 am -- the right time to see and listen to the carillon playing in the town hall tower.

Now on to the letter D -- it's Dult once again. Here you find other Dult photos in case you are interested to see more of Munich's open air market which takes place three times a year. I took the photos below in October during the last market of the year.

One part of the fairground is reserved for fun rides and games.

I really like these colorful balloons.

The bumper car ride was popular that day.