Photography by Ronald L. Harmon

Oberammergau, Germany, 2002

The late evening felt iron-cold, but the air contained a quality of magic.  In the center of the village, store windows sparkled with golden ornaments. Some shops displayed delicate woodcarvings on rich-red silks and deep-blue velvets. Others exhibited small teddy bears, wooden cars and beautiful dolls, which would delight children on Christmas. The music of church bells rang as Christmas Eve settled over the tiny German village of Oberammergau. 

Snowflakes levitated back and forth on currents of air as they blanketed the ground. An immense fir tree decorated with tiny white lights stood in the town center to herald Christmas the most special holiday of the year. Last-minute shoppers, dressed in warm coats hurried along streets to buy final gifts and various items needed to make their homes ready for the Heiliger Abend, Holy Evening – Christmas Eve.

From “Once Upon a Bavarian Winter.”

ISO 100, F3.5,160 Sec, Overcast