CHRISTMAS EVE IN PARIS

One of the unexpected benefits of moving to a new country and culture is stepping out of the familiar way we've always celebrated holidays.  I'm not saying this is an easy step, but it is one I have slowly embraced in the ten months we've been in Paris.

So, instead of having a big family Christmas Eve celebration at our house with food and gifts followed by a Christmas Eve church service, David and I prepared for a quiet evening followed by a 10:00 p.m. Christmas Eve service.

Our evening began around 4:30 as we hopped on a bus to take us to Notre Dame.  This fall when many friends were visiting and wanting to visit the famous cathedral, the lines were terrible and no one wanted to stand in the long line.  Christmas Eve there were people on the streets, cafes open and Christmas lights twinkling, but the wait to get into Notre Dame was short and fast.  We did have to pass through security even before reaching the plaza in front of the church, a sad reflection of the world we now live in.  The tree in front of the cathedral was beautiful,  and we were able to walk into the church with a minimal wait.

The Notre Dame Christmas Tree

Outside the cathedral was a lighted creche.  Baby Jesus wasn't there yet....

Still waiting....

Inside a mass was in progress and the place was filled with people sitting and standing.  They had the priest on side screens on both sides of the sanctuary so everyone could see and hear.  There was a huge star over the altar, an Advent wreath hanging over the seats and a beautiful Christmas in one corner.  It seemed the perfect place to be on this night when Mary and Joseph were trying to find a place to stay.

The evening was a little cold but clear so walking in the streets was nice and enjoyable.  Because so many families are together Christmas Eve night, it seemed a little quieter than most evenings.

From Notre Dame we went to Hotel de Ville, Paris city hall.  I think they change what they do here each year, and this year is a forest-like area with forest scenes, small rides, and, of course, Santa.  As always, there were places for hot chocolates or mulled wine.  It was very pretty and, surprisingly, not overcrowded.

I love all the carousels I see here!

Here's a little Santa train

And here's the real Santa with a little fellow who's a little unsure...

From here we walked to the Champs Elysees strolling down the red-lit tree-lined street that, for once, was relatively quiet.  Here's a picture, though blurry, but it gives you the idea.

By this time, we were hungry and it was time to head home for food and a Christmas movie.  We had planned a simple charcuterie board dinner and a second viewing of "White Christmas".  

French with a little "Tex Mex twist" of chips and guac!

At 9:30 (or so) we headed off to church not expecting the crowd we found there.  We ended up sitting in the back row of the balcony..a terrible place because there's not much you can see from there.  The service was filled with classical music, readings from five Scriptural references both New Testament and Old, and congregational singing of the all our favorite Christmas songs.  Our pastor delivered a beautiful and powerful "Receiving the Gift" meditation (sermon!!!) that was the best I've heard in many years.  

Walking home we talked about what these past ten months have taught us and shown us about ourselves, our faith and our world.  We missed being with our children and grands, but, sometimes,  you have to step away so you can come back with more to give.  

Christmas morning we had friends over for brunch which lasted into early afternoon.  Then we talked to all of the kids and grands.  The rest of the evening was quiet as we prepare for Courtney and her family on the 27th.  Then we'll have Christmas again!!!!!

A little postscript--David and I have decided to stay in Paris another year (providing we can get our visas extended!!!).  This was a tough decision but one we're excited about as we continue to live our Parisian adventure...language classes are on the horizon!!!!!