Reconnections and Reflections: My December #SoulMoments
- Renate Stoiber
- Jan 1
- 5 min read
I’ve made it safely back to the US and have stepped right into a flurry of activity in preparation for new adventures in 2026. While I look forward to sharing those updates with you in the new year, I want to take a moment to look back at the final, precious weeks of 2025 in Germany.
The Highlights:
The Vibe: Transitioning from the bustle of Augsburg and Munich to the ancient stillness of the Bavarian Forest.
The Folklore: Witnessing the "Devil's Run" (Perchtenlauf): a wild, traditional ritual to drive out winter spirits.
The Reconnections: A 30-year reunion in Bad Wörishofen, complete with carriage collections and a "wishing bell."
The Restoration: Finding "balm for the soul" at the Therme and long walks around the lakes.
The Gift: A snowy Christmas Eve spent with "adopted" family.
City Lights and Community in Augsburg
The first week of December in Augsburg set a beautiful tone with a very extended breakfast with my cousin. 🥰 There seemed to be a theme emerging of long talks and sharing stories over good food; those always mean #SoulMoments to me.
While the week included taking care of administrative necessities and updating my website, it was such a blessing to stay with my son in the center of the city. The easy access to everything allowed for a train trip to Munich for an extended lunch with a friend and former co-worker, followed by a visit to Tollwood, a unique and different kind of Christmas market.
I even managed an impromptu evening walk to Augsburg’s main Christmas market 🎄 and enjoyed the "Night of 1000 Lights" in the old town.
We soaked in the atmosphere and some Glühwein before heading off to cook with friends, which has become a favorite Friday evening tradition. The joy of moving between these different friend circles and sharing in a special birthday weekend reminded me why I treasure this place so much. That deep connection is what always draws me back. Those are my true #SoulMoments.
Altötting: The Spiritual Heart of the Region
After that first week, I made it safely (and with no delays!) to the foot of the Bavarian Forest. I spent the week enjoying the hospitality of a dear friend and her dad, starting with a full day exploring Altötting and its charming Christmas market.
This small town has served as a recognized spiritual heart of the region for well over a millennium, a place where generations have journeyed seeking perspective. Stepping onto the main Kapellplatz, where the market lights now glow, you are surrounded by five major churches whose foundations span over 1,250 years of history. As I always gravitate toward the simple, quieter structures, those are the pictures you’ll get! 😉
The most famous chapel houses an ancient "Black Madonna" statue, and while the interior holds a quiet, powerful energy, the story continues outside. The walkway is lined with thousands of Votivtafeln (votive tablets). These small, painted notes are thank-you messages and testimonies left by visitors across the centuries; a visible, overwhelming display of human hope, resilience, and gratitude. 🙏
After that quiet reflection, it was time for the festive joy of the Christmas market! We started with an almost half-meter-long Bratwurst and even spotted Santa on a motorcycle! 🏍️😂
We ended the day with Glühwein and traditional Schmalzgebäck, shaped like a beautiful star ⭐ in the glow of the setting sun.
Traditions and "Dark Spirits" in Niederbayern
Different this year were performances at two of the local markets that I had only ever heard tales of. First, the loud, synchronized beating of drums, and then the fascinating, wild spectacle of the "Devil's Run" (Perchtenlauf).
In this ancient tradition, figures in massive, hand-carved masks and furs move through the crowds to symbolically drive out the dark spirits of winter. It is a way of preparing for the light to return just in time for the winter solstice. I did joke at the time that driving out "winter spirits" might be counterproductive to my hopes for a White Christmas!
Beyond the excitement of those performances, there was also plenty of time to soak in the more traditional, quiet charm of these small local markets.
Reconnections and Restoration in Bad Wörishofen
After returning to Augsburg for a few more days of paperwork, Wednesday and Thursday brought a series of beautiful moments in Bad Wörishofen.
The highlight was a gathering organized by a dear friend from my university days at both FH Augsburg and UMKC. While I was lucky enough to connect with her and her kids in the US last year, she brought together a group of friends I hadn’t seen in 30 years! Before the others arrived, we visited the private chapel her father built, where I even got to ring the "wishing bell." 🔔
We spent the evening over an amazing Bavarian Brotzeit, catching up on decades of life. The next morning, we went for a beautiful walk. I was so busy chatting the day before when the snow-covered Alps were visible that I missed the photo, but even without the mountain peaks, the sunrise was amazing.
Before parting ways, we visited her father’s vintage carriage collection. I may have seen it decades ago, but I was floored by the sheer amount and size of it now! It is a massive display of history, with some carriages even being used on movie sets. 🎥
I finished that trip with a half-day at the famous Bad Wörishofer Therme. It is difficult to describe the atmosphere to my friends in the US because there really isn't an equivalent. During the Aufguss (a steam ritual), we were given honey to rub into our skin (and to eat! 😋), while in another sauna, they swung full-sized flags to move the heat. It was balm for the soul and body.
Quiet Moments and Christmas Traditions
As much as I treasure the activities with friends and the bustling markets, I found I was missing the routine of my daily walks. I finally made up for it with an hour-long walk around the nearby lakes. I desperately needed that quiet reflection time to process everything.
My final days were filled with our annual friend-group Christmas party and celebrating the 4th Advent at a local church. For Christmas itself, I was back with our dear friends, who are like family to us, and spending Christmas Eve as part of their family has become a much cherished tradition.
And, to my great surprise and delight, despite the "Devil’s Run" trying to drive winter away, it did actually snow on Christmas Eve. Even if just a little bit ❄️ 😉
It was the perfect, peaceful note to end on before heading back across the Atlantic.
Stay tuned for what 2026 has in store!
Coming along for the journey? If you’d like to receive an update whenever a new #SoulMoments story is shared, you can sign up here. I’d love to have you along for the adventures of 2026!
With gratitude,
❤️ Renate
from Foster City 🇺🇸
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