So, we moved to Germany in May. I prayed for a simpler life, a life back to basics.
And we’re mostly happy with the results. We’re focusing on what is important.
We’re simplifying and purging our hearts and home.
What I don’t miss about America:
Malls.
I don’t miss any of the shopping. I am so glad I am not inundated with all the commercialism, except on social media. We have enough. We are learning to be content. We order online if we want anything that we can’t find in stores here.
Competition.
We don’t have anyone to impress. We don’t do Elf on the Shelf
Rushing.
We don’t have to go anywhere, be anywhere. We have no responsibilities or events. It’s refreshing. Previous years we had loads of holiday church events, recitals, appointments. The kids actually miss it just a tiny bit, but I am a little relieved at the slower pace.
What I do sorta miss:
Lights.
Electricity is very expensive here. We used to like to drive around and look at decorations during the holidays. There’s not much of that here. The Christmas markets are really tourist targets and the weather isn’t very conducive to our walking around at night to look at Etsy vomit or Made-in-China garbage.
Mail.
It takes Amazon Prime
Potatoes.
The taters here just aren’t the same. They’re sweet or something and not the same as Idaho potatoes. They’re great chopped and fried or roasted, but not so great baked and mashed. I never thought something like this would be missed so much.
I do enjoy seeing many festivities on social media of friends and family. It helps me to feel close to you, whether we’ve met IRL or not.
Resources:
- Watch for the Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas
- Advent: The Once and Future Coming of Jesus Christ by Fleming Rutledge
- Low: An Honest Advent Devotional by John Pavlovitz
- Honest Advent: Awakening to the Wonder of God-with-Us Then, Here, and Now by Scott Erickson
- Calm Christmas and a Happy New Year: A little book of festive joy by Beth Kempton
- Have Yourself a Minimalist Christmas: Slow Down, Save Money & Enjoy a More Intentional Holiday by Meg Nordmann
- Hundred Dollar Holiday: The Case For A More Joyful Christmas by Bill McKibben
- Unplug the Christmas Machine: A Complete Guide to Putting Love and Joy Back into the Season by Jo Robinson and Jean C Staeheli
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I am feeling the exact same way! I do not miss the hustle and bustle at all!!! but family yes. so much. And Jeremy said something about the potatoes too! He said they are “off”. lol so funny!
I was with you. I wouldn’t miss malls, and I could definitely get rid of all the rushing. The mail thing, I could live with that. I was ready to move. Then, you said the thing about potatoes, and I wanted to cry for you. How could I choose a life with inferior potatoes? I will have to keep following your blog. Let me know when the potato situation changes, and we are out of here! :)
We have been on a quest for the last year to find good potatoes.
Who knew potatoes were seasonal?
In the modern lands of we-can-buy-anything-we-want-anytime-we-want-it…this is a new concept.
They’re still not Idaho potatoes, but we have found some pretty decent brown ones.