We faced the galloping hordes.

Well folks, suffice it to say that Mom and I went to a lot of Christmas markets. I think in total we hit eight of them, nine if you count that we went to the Stuttgart market twice.
One Christmas market phenomenon that warrants a little explanation is gluhwein. Gluhwein is mulled wine, and every market has about 0.5 gluhwein stands for every shopper. When you buy gluhwein there is a "cup deposit" included in the price because it is served in a fun, decorative mug. If you return the mug after you finish your wine, you get the deposit back (usually a couple dollars). If not, well, you have yourself a mug. Interesting tidbit: each Christmas market has their own mug design, therefore the mugs are...*gulp*...collectible. Also, they are travel-friendly. Someone I know recently hauled a whole suitcase of them through customs, no questions asked.

It got a little crowded at the Bad Wimpfen market; Mom had to hold up her wurst sandwhich to preserve its integrity.

Mom and me drinking mead. Ok, it's not gluhwein but we still got the cup.

Dramatic moment leaving the Stuttgart market (the last market we went to): "Mom, it's your last chance for shopping!"