There are sirens in the street tonight. The police dashing off to tend to rush hour fender-benders, most likely.

It was a gorgeous day in Munich today -- sunny and cold. I was out this morning but spent the afternoon putting up our Christmas tree. This is the first artificial tree I've ever had. It is very tiny (120 cm) but it's about the right size for our little apartment. It's in the corner of the dining room, since the living room is already pretty full.

I got some small handblown glass balls at Ludwig Beck on Friday, in shades of purple and pink, and they are on the tree along with my two sparkly birds and the ornaments I bought in Rothenburg earlier this year. My favorites are three little red and white painted wooden mushrooms. There are also a few of the Bavarian hand-painted pewter ornaments. And some Lindt chocolate Santas. I think that's about it, but it's nicely covered and very festive. Also, I used colored lights for the first time in years and years. I think they look pretty.

Last year we went home for Christmas, so we didn't put up a tree. We'll be traveling at the end of this month, so I didn't want to worry about keeping a natural tree watered while we're away.

Now if I can just convince Ziggy that he's really not interested in that tree...