The magic of Christmas in Alsace is a truly enchanting experience. Located in the northeastern region of France, Alsace is known for its charming villages, picturesque countryside, and vibrant Christmas traditions. During the holiday season, the region comes alive with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and the scent of mulled wine and gingerbread in the air. One of the highlights of Christmas in Alsace is the world-renowned Christmas markets. These traditional markets can be found in various towns and cities across the region, including Strasbourg, Colmar, and Mulhouse. The markets are a feast for the senses, showcasing an array of beautifully crafted gifts, ornaments, and seasonal delicacies.
Meet Ukraine's Witch, the lawyer who became a mortar commander fighting Russians in Bakhmut
Before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Olha Bihar was a lawyer working for a firm in Kyiv while completing her PhD in tax law.
Fifteen months later, the 31-year-old is a commander of a mortar unit, an artillery officer and a veteran of the Battle of Bakhmut, with the call sign Witch.
The origins of that name remain almost as secretive as the start date of Ukraine's long awaited counteroffensive.
"My call sign is from 2014. I'll tell the story about my call sign. But after the war," she told the ABC during a break from weapons training at a secret location in eastern Ukraine.
Olha's unit spent five months on the front lines of the Battle of Bakhmut, fighting Russian forces in one of the bloodiest battles of the 21st century.
"In Bakhmut you understand that your life and all things that you thought before were important are not important," she said.
"You see buildings and houses blowing up and people dying, and you understand at that moment that we have something more important than money, than real estate, than cars.
"We have a very important thing: our freedom, democracy and law."
As well as launching artillery at Russian forces, Olha has been publishing videos on TikTok about life on the front lines.
The markets are a feast for the senses, showcasing an array of beautifully crafted gifts, ornaments, and seasonal delicacies. Strolling through the market stalls, visitors can discover unique handmade crafts, sample local wines and cheeses, and indulge in a variety of festive treats. Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace, hosts one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in the world.
How a young mum became a warrior
On February 24 last year, Olha woke to the sound of Russian missiles hitting Ukraine's capital.
Before the war, Olha was a lawyer working for a firm in Kyiv while completing her PhD in tax law. ( Instagram: Olha Bihar )
She went to her 18-year-old brother's room and asked him if he wanted to leave the city.
"He said, 'No, I want to defend my country'," she said.
The next day, Olha, her brother and mother joined a long queue and enlisted with Ukraine's armed forces.
Her mother and brother are now serving as combat medics.
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She is fighting for a better future for her seven-year-old son.
He has spent the past 15 months living with his aunt in another country.
"One week before the invasion, I got information that Russia was ready for war," she said.
"So I just bought the tickets, and I told my son that it's better to be in a safe place. For him, it's a little bit difficult because he likes his school, his friends, and he is asking me every time, 'Mum, when I can go back home?'
"I say to him 'a little bit later, please'. I'm happy that he never heard the sounds of explosions, and never heard the sound of sirens. It's important for his psychological health."
Olha sent her young son to live with family in another country so she would know he was safe while she fought in the war. ( ABC News: West Matteeussen )
To explain why she made the sacrifice of being separated from her son, Olha quoted her younger brother who had just won a law scholarship to study at Kyiv University.
"My brother said, 'I don't want to study law because we don't need to study law if Russia comes to our country. There is no law in Russia and people have no rules'," she said.
"So we have to defend our country. And then we can think about the future."
Olha's family are originally from Kramatorsk in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine.
For her, this is another motivation to stay and fight.
"I was a witness to Russian crimes, military crimes in 2014 when they entered our territories and took control," she said.
"People got killed and tortured, and I cannot live with these things. I have to defend my country."
The Christkindelsmärik, as it is known in the local Alsatian dialect, is a true spectacle to behold. The market spans several picturesque squares and streets, each adorned with sparkling lights and adorned with traditional Alsatian decorations. At the heart of the market stands the Great Christmas Tree, beautifully decorated and illuminated. Visitors can explore the market's numerous stalls, offering everything from handcrafted wooden toys to delicate glass ornaments. Colmar, often referred to as the "Little Venice" of Alsace, also boasts a magical Christmas market. The market takes place in the city's historic old town, where half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets create a fairytale-like ambiance. The market's stalls are filled with enticing festive delights, including spiced wine, roasted chestnuts, and local pastries. Visitors can also browse through the myriad of handicrafts and artwork, which make perfect Christmas gifts. In addition to the Christmas markets, Alsace is renowned for its unique Christmas traditions. One such tradition is the Advent calendar, which originated in the region in the 19th century. Known as "Bredele," small spiced biscuits, are a popular treat during the holiday season. Families gather to bake these delicious cookies and display them on festive Advent calendars, which are opened each day leading up to Christmas. Above all, the magic of Christmas in Alsace lies in the warmth and joy that permeate the region during this special time of year. The combination of the region's picturesque scenery, enchanting traditions, and vibrant markets creates an atmosphere that is truly magical. Whether it's sipping mulled wine by a crackling fire, wandering through the streets lined with twinkling lights, or savoring a warm, freshly baked gingerbread, the Christmas spirit in Alsace captivates both locals and visitors alike..
Reviews for "A Glimpse into Alsace's Rich Christmas History and Legends"
1. John - 2 stars - "I was really disappointed with 'The Magic of Christmas in Alsace'. The acting was wooden and the storyline was predictable. I felt like I was watching a made-for-TV Christmas movie that lacked any real substance. The setting in Alsace was beautiful, but even that couldn't make up for the lackluster performances. Overall, this film just didn't live up to the hype and I wouldn't recommend it."
2. Sarah - 1 star - "I couldn't even make it through 'The Magic of Christmas in Alsace'. The dialogue was cringe-worthy and the characters were incredibly one-dimensional. I thought this would be a heartwarming holiday film, but instead, it was just painfully cheesy. The plot felt contrived and there were no real surprises or emotional connections. Save your time and skip this one."
3. Alex - 2 stars - "I had high hopes for 'The Magic of Christmas in Alsace' but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The storyline was predictable and unoriginal, and the chemistry between the lead actors was lacking. The script felt forced and the attempts at humor missed the mark. Despite the picturesque setting, the film failed to capture the magic of Christmas in Alsace. I wouldn't recommend wasting your time watching this forgettable holiday film."
4. Emily - 2 stars - "I found 'The Magic of Christmas in Alsace' to be a rather forgettable film. The acting was mediocre, with some of the performances feeling quite wooden. The characters lacked depth and I didn't find myself caring about their journey. While the scenery in Alsace was beautiful, it wasn't enough to salvage the overall disappointment of this film. I was hoping for a heartwarming Christmas story, but instead, I was left feeling underwhelmed."
5. Michael - 1 star - "I can't believe I wasted my time on 'The Magic of Christmas in Alsace'. The plot was boring and predictable, and the acting was downright painful to watch. The film lacked any real holiday spirit and the attempts at romance were cringe-worthy. This is one Christmas movie that I won't be revisiting in the future."