I have just returned from a short short over to a town in northern Germany.    Very good fun it was too – for the most part.  My companion and I planned to visit the very famous Christmas markets.  It was great fun looking at the city itself.  The problem came at the Markets – my word they were heaving with people – every nationality, size and make.  We were literally shoulder to shoulder and it was terrifyingly grim – made even worse by stupid mothers with pushchairs!     I had thoughts towards a small hand carved clock and other charming home ware gifts.  Unfortunately this became mission impossible so we came back with one item only to show for it.  We cut our losses and toured the best giftware site on line and found exactly the same products – I was able to buy several examples of those lovely hand crafted wooden toys and nativity sets that are so appealing. I also found some very pretty tree decorations and small crafted items for the mantle piece.   My gifting is now complete and I feel splendidly relaxed, if still a little bruised round the edges!