Merry Christmas To You

Happy Christmas

I'd just like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and share a few photos of our French village Christmas celebrations from this year.

Village Christmas decorations

Early December and the village elves get together to decorate the handmade wooden trees that become a festive feature in the car park outside the village hall.

Foire gras sur pain d'épices, chutney de figues et compotée d'oignons 

Once the village is decorated, then we start the celebrations with the five course Christmas meal for all villagers aged over seventy. This community meal is prepared and served by the members of the council (which means I am lucky enough to get to join in the fun) and is every bit as delicious as it looks.

Terrine de saumon

Roti de veau, sauce forestière, gratin de chou-fleur, pommes dauphine

Salade et fromage

Buche de Noël

Tree and pressies for the children 

A few weeks later and Père Noël arrives for a fun afternoon of hot chocolate, viennoiseries, singing from our little Christmas choir and then a gift for all children aged under 11.   

Père Noël

I always feel lucky to have found my home in a village with a fantastic community spirit and this is especially true at Christmas.

Wherever you are in the world and however you celebrate, I hope you and your loved ones have a happy and peaceful Christmas.