The reasons I looked forward to coming to Oberammergau over the holidays are the traditions and customs of this village, plus spending time with relatives. This is a Christmas eve church service in the Parish Church St. Peter and Paul in Oberammergau. The original church of Oberammergau had a timber structure which was so damaged by the beginning of the 18th century that it was necessary to rebuild it completely. The creation of the new building, in the rococo style, was managed by Josef Schmuzer. His son Franz Xaver was the stucco plasterer. The ceilings and wall frescoes were created by Matthaeus Guenther, who was born in 1705. On an aside, I am a baptized, but non-practicing Catholic. But when in this village I will attend services, primarily to absorb the richness of the architectural design. The inside story has it, that if it weren't for the tourists, the church would have been half empty. This service began at 23:00 and my nephew Robert plays the bass guitar and my grand niece Ariane plays the geige in the Church orchestra. I attended the service with Roberts wife Heike. My cousin Gundi went to Kloster Ettal for midnight mass were she sings in the choir. This picture was taken on 24 December 2009. Thank you for viewing, commenting, and favs. I will begin very soon with commenting and responses to quesitons soon, Sig...