Chancellor's Song of Woe

Certainly too busy with international visits and turning around the German economy after taking office just months before last Christmas, Merkel's second yuletide in the chancellery seems to be proving more of a emotional challenge than the first.

Though some accuse her of talking too much, the chancellor said she misses having the opportunity to stretch her vocal cords.

The daughter of a Protestant preacher, Merkel used to sing in the church choir and happily serenaded her way through Advent with rendering versions of "Stille Nacht" and "Oh Tannenbaum" but now said she has to satisfy herself with a bit of humming and sotto voce singing at the kitchen sink.

"To be honest, I sometimes miss singing myself," she said during an interview on German public broadcaster ARD, adding that she only gets a chance to croon when peeling potatoes and washing up the dishes. "But it's more fun when you can do it together with other people."

But the emotional release that comes with a few choruses will have to fight with exercise for the chancellor's free time.

"I could also do more sport," she said. "I'm not the best at that."