Odd as it may seem, with both of the boys in school each morning, I’m finding that I have less time to visit the Christmas markets than I have in years past.  In fact, I’ve only been a few times so far this year, and only to 4 of the markets (which might sound like a lot, but it isn’t for me).

I wish I had more time to see them, but with our schedule the way that it is right now, my mornings are packed full of dropping off the kids, running errands, going to the grocery store and exciting stuff like showering.  But, each time I’ve gotten to go so far this year has been as great as ever.  I love the Christmas markets.  I love how laid back and festive they are.  I love getting to go for a walk outside and shop at the same time.  I love not having to find a parking space and not having to deal with massive crowds.  I love getting to buy gifts from small shops, and often directly from the artists or artisans.  I just love Christmas shopping in Vienna.

My plan is to do some more shopping at the markets over the next few days, and to take the kids to the Rathaus market for the rides and lights one evening very soon.  10 days from today, we leave to go home, which I am immensely excited about.  But that also means we’re in a 10 day countdown to enjoy as much of Vienna’s Christmassy goodness as we can before we go.  I want to enjoy this lovely part of living in Vienna.  It’s my most favorite time of the year!