Hendrik Streeck, the 46-year-old virologist, traded the chilly winter in Bonn for the Big Apple with his husband, Paul Zubeil. Initially, they had planned a February excursion, but coronavirus had other ideas. Adhering to the festive spirit, Streeck mentioned that their Christmas Eve gifts wouldn't cost more than 50 euros, a long-standing agreement to avoid ruining the pre-holiday joy.
An enthusiast of Christmas, Streeck finds joy in the festive lights, markets, and music. He enjoys embracing this tradition that brings the community together. However, this year marked their first Christmas without Streeck's beloved father, who passed away in April.
As a passionate cook, Streeck was assigned the culinary duties, preparing fondue on Christmas Eve and a scrumptious stuffed turkey on the first day of the holiday season. A staple for other Christmas dinners was game.
The warmth and cheer fellowships brought during holidays didn't deter Streeck from the ‘Dry January’ challenge. Unfortunately, his move to North Rhine-Westphalia sabotaged his sobriety as carnival necessitated some liquid courage. Consequently, Streeck changed tactics and incorporated the Catholic fast after carnival instead.
Insights: Virologist Streeck, in his free time, rather than dedicating it to his field, savored the Christmas period. With his husband, they enjoyed traditional festive activities and select gifts. Streeck's passion for cooking elevated the holiday spirit, making the meals a focal point of their celebrations.
[1] As the coronavirus pandemic spread globally, Germany's response involved restricting gatherings and travel during the festive season to curb transmission and prioritize public health. The government implemented lockdowns and travel restrictions, which affected many people's holiday plans and traditions.
