When I think back to my time living in Germany, I don’t just remember the snowy streets or the smell of glühwein wafting through Christmas markets. I remember the sparkle of tiny ornaments that somehow capture the feeling of the season. I only brought three decorations home with me, but each one carries a story.
The first was a gift from Cologne‘s Christmas Market. I got a wire star filled with cinnamon and dried orange peel. It wasn’t just pretty; it smelled like Christmas itself. Every time I unpack it, that warm, spicy scent takes me straight back to the stalls of the Cologne market. My friend bought it for me as one of my gifts for Christmas and my birthday which. is on the 22nd of December. The still smells fragrant and it’s truly a. cherished gift.

The second is a cheerful, round snowman-the kind of decoration that instantly makes you smile. I found it in Essen, and although I was trying to cut back on spending, it was simply too cute to resist. My Christmas plans involved travelling to Tilburg. I spent the holidays with family friends, and I wanted to save a bit for the Netherlands but this little snowman won me over.

And then there’s the ballerina, twirling gracefully beneath the fairy lights on my tree. My mom was a ballerina when she was little, and she absolutely loves Christmas, so this ornament felt like a perfect nod to her. With the help of my friends, I found a beautiful glass ballerina at the Essen Christmas Market. And here’s a little tip: don’t buy from the stalls closest to the entrance; take your time to look around and compare prices.
The ballerina is timeless, elegant, and just a little bit magical. Every year, my mom, sister, and I make it a tradition to watch the Cape Town City Ballet during the festive season, so this ornament feels especially meaningful.

If you love German Christmas markets or need information about the Christ Markets of North Rhine-Westphalia, check out my guideThe best Christmas markets in North Rhine Westphalia, Germany
Thanks for reading and if you have any questions or comments please share them.

