Tue 20 Dec 2011
It has slowly come to my attention that the French don’t do Christmas songs, at least no where on the scale of America. I play Christmas songs here on my Internet radio because that’s something I miss. I noticed that the song, Let It Snow, being sung by Dean Martin was the music for a French TV commercial and hear Perry Como singing The Christmas song in the background (along with many others) when I’m at the grocery store. My daughter in law had an English Christmas CD playing when we were over at her place recently and I asked if the French did contemporary Christmas songs and she said, “Not really”. It just made me realize what a big part Christmas music played for me in the States, especially growing up with Gene Autry singing, Rudolph the Rednose Reindeer or Brenda Lee Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree. Of course, by the time the holiday season is over, I’m more than glad to go another year without hearing Christmas music again.
I see ordinary pine trees for sale here in Paris but I also sure do see a lot of flocked trees. My daughter in law has a turquoise flocked tree-very dramatic. We aren’t getting a tree this year as we will be in Switzerland for Christmas. I don’t mind though. I like the look and fragrance of Christmas trees but, man, do I hate cleaning up afterwards. All I have put out are some fake candles that look like they are flickering. You know, I usually get the blues during the Christmas season. I’m wondering if it’s the lack of sunlight but, in any case, I don’t have them this year for what ever reason. Maybe it’s because a new grandbaby is coming.
So, back to Christmas trees. All of the flower shops in Paris seem to sell them. Here is one of those flocked trees along with some nice flowers.
Another one in the window with pink decorations.
I did a video of the Christmas market on the Champs Elysees which I am unable to embed so if you want to see it you will have to copy and paste into www.youtube.com
Next door to the flower shop is this very nice restaurant called le Fumoir. I loved the interior. Maybe they once sold and smoked cigars there.
The painting on the wall, all art deco which I love.
Congratulations on the new grandbaby, how exciting! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas!
We’re hearing lots of Christmas carols here for sure…and I’m glad that time almost is over. However, I heard one in the car today that was exquisitely beautiful: “Silent Night ” played on the steel guitar. Sounds weird, huh? But it was really lovely.
How nice that you’ll spend a white Christmas in Switzerland with your family. Perhaps the new baby will arrive while you’re there. We won’t have snow, but do have a 7 foot tree in front of the French doors in the family room - it’s so big we can’t even use that door. We’ll celebrate here with my son and his family.
Rod and I wish you and Maurice a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, healthy New Year…and a condo finished on time and on budget.
XOXO. Emily
Rod and I send
Tomorrow is the Solstice, and then the days begin to lengthen. Hooray for the return of the light. Have a wonderful time in Switzerland.
On the lack of French Christmas songs… I do actually own a CD full of those, but I’d be hard-pressed to sing any of them for you. The tunes just aren’t catchy!
Picture this: I’m walking the streets of Saint Raphael with my step-son and we passed a shop that had a giant, electronic, moving, singing Santa-bear out front… singing Christmas songs in ENGLISH. So there I am, singing along and embarrassing the heck out of the kid, who looked at me like I was a total nut-case.
I am a great step-mom.
Merry Christmas, Linda. Avoiding the blues is terrific. I think I don’t get the blues, but slightly panicky around Christmas. My parents are coming today, and some things still need cleaning, but I’m feeling fairly laid back about it. I still have to drive car pool for swim team this morning and go feed the basketball players. I just don’t have time to worry about panicking!
Some expat friends, mainly from work, all got together to sing Christmas carols last Saturday at the Rodez market! It was great fun and we plan to repeat the experience next year with more preparation. I have been hearing a lot of American Christmas music through speakers on the streets, or in stores, though.
Happy holidays to you!