Visiting
different countries around the world during Christmas can be fun. I remember
being stationed in Germany (I was in the US Army from 1986-1997) and going to
Kris Kringle markets. The markets were wooden shops in the town's downtown
pedestrian area or shopping markets. They sold everything – mulled cider and
wine, sausages, marzipan, handcrafted wood ornaments, and knitted items. Even
though I was in a different country, I knew Christmas was in the air.
This year, my story
in the 2012 Christmas Collection (from Victory Tales Press) takes you to
Amsterdam. My first trip to Amsterdam was in the early 1990's. It has such a
unique look with the narrow facades made of bricks, and gables attached high on
the houses to lift furniture. Amsterdam, to me, had an "earthy" look
– canals ran through the city. The main train station was a formable building,
reminding me of an old European fortress. I found the hard rock café, the red
light district, and the docks.
My story is
called "Gifts" in the anthology. Chris Janssen is an Olympic pairs
figure skater who needs to find a new partner. Enter Famke deVries. Her brother
is Chris' best friend. Chris is attracted to Famke, but will his attraction
derail their goal to make the Olympic team?
One of their
early "dates" involves a visit to the Kris Kringle market. Famke
wants to buy clogs for her family in preparation for Sinterklaas' visit.
In the
Netherlands, Dutch children learn Sinterklaas sails from Spain on his feast day
(5 DEC). He lands on the coast in a different harbor every year with his
partner "Zwarte Piet" (Black Peter). All the bells ring out in the
town when he lands and if Sinterklaas makes it to Amsterdam, he pays a special
visit to the Queen.
The children
leave out their clogs and Sinterklaas fills them with presents. Zwarte Piet is
in charge of the naughty/nice list. Zwarte tells Sinterklaas if the little one
has earned their presents for the year.
Many people in
the Netherlands decorate a Christmas tree. On Christmas Eve, Santa Claus comes
from Finland and delivers more presents. Christmas is more low key. Many go to
religious services and visit family. The main meal usually consists of shrimp
from the North Sea, smoked fish, (salmon & eels) roast chicken or meat (boar/beef/venison)
seasonal veggies and deep fried ice cream. Yum. I'm a fish person so the menu
appeals to me.
Question: What do
you like to cook/eat for your Christmas meal? I'd love to hear your menu.
Have you been to
the Netherlands or Amsterdam? I'd love to hear your adventure.
Author Bio:
Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 dispatcher for LAPD. She's visited several town and
cities in the Netherlands; her favorite is the Keukenhof in Lisse, where she
fell in love with the tulips.
GIFTS:
BLURB: Will Christian and Famke's attraction interfere with them earning a
spot on the Netherlands Olympic pairs skating team?
Short Excerpt:
Stephen
turned onto a street in the Noord district of Amsterdam where he lived. The
apartment buildings were about five stories tall, but weren't very wide.
Stephen drove his compact car into a parking structure near his building.
"We're here."
"I
need a nice long bath and a bite to eat." Famke stepped out and shut her
door.
"Chris,
can you take her to the apartment? I'll run to the store for some food."
"Sure."
Chris opened the trunk and grabbed her bag.
"I
can take it." She gestured for the bag, but Chris waved her off.
"I've
got it." He paused. "I always insist on carrying a lady's bags."
"But,
Chris—"
"And
you
are
a lady," he said.
Smiling,
Famke nodded, discovering a small dimple in his cheek when
he
smiled so warmly.
BUY LINKS:
KINDLE: http://amzn.com/B009VL66F2
PRINT: http://amzn.com/1480166855
BARNES & NOBLE NOOK: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/2012-christmas-collection-vtp-anthologies/1113744914?ean=2940045041898
SONY EBOOK STORE: https://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/vtp-anthologies/2012-christmas-collection/_/R-400000000000000856271
SMASHWORDS: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/247767
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Hi Steph! I loved your story in the anthology and wondered if you lived in Germany before. Alas, I was never stationed there during my own military days, but many of my buddies and their families had stories to tell.
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