Some people can hardly wait for the Advent season, while others are already dreading the crowded city centers and familiar Christmas carols. According to trend researcher Corinna Mühlhausen, it is clear that many people are longing to slow down. "Instead of consumerism, a hectic pace and an end-of-year countdown, people are trying to focus more on the actual meaning of Advent, the preparation time for Christmas," she reports. Seven ideas that will help even those who don't like Advent in and around Dresden to get through the pre-Christmas period:
Looking at the stars
Enough of Herrnhut stars? At one of the observatories in and around Dresden, you can take a look at the real starry sky instead. The observatory in Dresden-Gönnsdorf opens its doors to visitors every Monday evening. At the Zeiss Planetarium in Radebeul, you can look at the sky through one of the large telescopes every Friday and even photograph the lunar landscape with a special adapter. The prerequisite is a clear sky.
Knitting in the cinema
It's a trend that has now arrived in many cities and fits in well with the cold Advent season. In selected cinemas, visitors can knit together during the movie screening. The lights in the movie theater are dimmed and the knitting can begin. "Crocheting is also possible," writes the Programmkino Ost in Dresden on its website. There are also occasional special screenings of this kind at the Filmpalast Meißen or in Zwickau.
24-day muck-out calendar
Like an advent calendar, only in reverse: the idea of a muck-out calendar is circulating on the internet. For 24 days, one item is discarded at a time. Instead of buying or getting new things, you can throw away unused items, sell them on or give them away. Anyone who has warm winter clothes left over can donate them to the Dresden Homeless Aid, the German Red Cross (DRK) or the Treberhilfe association.
Visiting the houses of other religions
Other religious festivals are also celebrated in December. Buddhists celebrate Bodhi Day on December 8 to commemorate the Buddha's enlightenment. On 19 December, the Yazidi festival of Ida Ezi is celebrated in honor of God, marking the end of a three-week period of fasting. On December 14, the eight-day Jewish festival of Hanukkah begins. Every day, another candle is lit on the candelabrum to commemorate the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Those interested can learn more about this on a guided tour of the Dresden Synagogue.
"Silent Book Club"
Enjoy the silence away from the hustle and bustle and still not be alone - that's what the "Silent Book Clubs" are all about. Everyone brings their own book. After an hour of reading, you can chat with the other participants or simply continue reading. In Dresden, for example, the central library in the Kulturpalast right next to the Striezelmarkt regularly organizes such reading meetings. Admission is free and registration is not necessary. There are also such meetings in Chemnitz.
Cooking soup for the needy
Many people are in need of support, especially in winter. If you would like to help, you can do so on a voluntary basis at various facilities, station missions and soup kitchens. In the winter months, food and sleeping bags are distributed to those in need at the night cafés for the homeless run by Dresden's church communities. Donating money is also possible in many places - and urgently needed.
Get out into nature
The pre-Christmas period can also be enjoyed in the great outdoors. "During Advent, look for the moments that are beautiful for you," advises trend researcher Mühlhausen. "If it's not the Advent market or the Christmas church service, give it a wide berth and go outside instead, into the forest or a park, pause for a moment," she says. And it can also be particularly cozy at home during this time.
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