Christmas in Paris is magical. The lights, the decorated store windows of les Grands Magasins like Galerie Lafayette and Printemps. There is a feeling of excitement in the air, like we are all little children again waiting for Santa to arrive. Cafes put up their oyster stands where fresh oysters and seafood can be had for lunch, dinner or to take home. The best cuts of meat are brought out, whole pigs (cochon de lait) are bought, bright orange Christmas mandarins light up rooms
Three days over Christmas were spent at my aunt & uncle’s lovely 1800’s country house. It was magnifique! I felt like we were out of a lovely French décor magazine, lovely Christmas tree, family gathered around the huge fireplace, two hour lunches and dinners and of course, being surrounded by our welcoming French family. The bonus was that is snowed and we played outside in the snow, building a snowman followed by snowball fights. Very important for three Canadian girls who miss the Calgary snow (ok well maybe only two young girls miss it, the third can do without for a year or two!)
Christmas in Paris also means good food and excellent beverages. We had our fair share of oysters, foie gras and champagne. These are some of the traditional foods served in France for the holidays. We enjoyed it all. You only live once!
And the coup de gras for the holiday season was going as a family to see the Emperor’s New Clothes at the Comedie Francaise Children’s Theatre and after seeing it finding out that it was reviewed as the worst holiday season play for kids. And yes, the Emperor did take off his clothes, all of them. I love this country!
Bonne Annee!!
As an important New Year's resolution for 2011, I vow to update this blog weekly, not sporadically.
As an important New Year's resolution for 2011, I vow to update this blog weekly, not sporadically.
