Hallelujah, the Holidays Have ENDED!!!!

January 6th is a holiday here in Bavaria....3 Kings Day, and the end of the twelve days of Christmas. Children dressed as the 3 Kings come to your door, sing a beautiful little song in German, take a little of your money for charity, and write C+M+B, plus the year over your door. These are the initials of the 3 Kings, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar. Historically the three letters allegedly came from the Latin phrase "Christus mansionem benedicat" which means "Christ bless your house." The arrival of these little girls in our case, is not only a highlight of the season, but officially ends it for me as well. And ain't there something to be said for moving on into the new year? Over our door is exactly the following:
* 20 C+M+B 06 *
I love seeing this all year, and as a bonus, our house is blessed and protected.