Joyeux Noel - Merry Christmas from Bordeaux, France

Wishing Everyone a Joyous Christmas!!

May it be filled with family, joy, peace and love

This month has been unusually busy between work, getting ready for the holidays and just juggling it all!  Like other families having children, it's always a balancing act to meet their needs and prepare for this special time of year!!  I wanted to share how beautiful this area looks during the holidays - lights everywhere, decorations and always that festive feeling.  This year, the month of  December was a bit low-key for us, but we managed to enjoy the lights and the magic of the city and I was fortunate to enjoy many other villages and towns and profit from their joy!  Here's a taste of the magic and lights in this area - Enjoy and may peace be with everyone on this special day!

Our town of Pessac and the beautiful way they decorate for this season!

The city of Bordeaux was as usual looking beautiful and luminous for the month of December.  It was also great to wander through the smaller streets to enjoy more decorations around the city.

Always a treat to work in some of the smaller villages around Bordeaux and see how they celebrate this season...On the left is the town square in the Village of Cadillac. and then one of the entrances to Saint Emilion.

Finally what is the season without some chocolate and the French LOVE their chocolate and in this season they find clever ways to celebrate with all kinds of adorable creations.  Take a look at one of my favorite chocolate shops - Larnicol.

As we get ready to celebrate - le Revillion or Christmas eve this evening with a dinner including traditional food of Oysters, foie gras, smoked salmon and a yule log for dessert - I wanted to take the time to:

Wish everyone a wonderful Christmas from Southwestern France!  

May your holiday be bright and full of peace, love and joy!!

Joyeux Noel!!

Bordeaux - The City at night during the Holidays

Enjoying the Lights and Festivities of the holidays

I love the holiday season- the music,the lights, the festivities. I always have - there is just something about that magical spirit in the Ari.  All those lights, people singing, being Merry - sharing traditions, enjoying holiday parties together.  December just seems extra special!One of the things that I love about Bordeaux is how beautiful the city is during the holidays.  Bordeaux itself and all the towns around - go all out in decorating with lights, banners, and swats of garland.  Even in our town centre of Pessac - the town square is all set for holiday activities and everyday there is Christmas music playing in the streets.  (As my oldest says as she walks out of school - "It's sort of nice to hear Christmas music coming over the speakers as she walks to her bus).

Last night, we decided to make a family night and head into the city - ice skating next to the Cathedral, walking around the city to enjoy the lights, and then finding Santa at the Christmas market.  (I was impressed that all three of my girls were willing to sit together with Santa for a photo!)  I guess you are never too old for some things!

it was a great evening - the photos speak for themselves!

Cathedral at Place Pey Berland

Ice Skating

Place Pey Berland - La Mairiee

Parents watching kids skate - Lots of people were out having a good time

My middle daughter skating

Yes, even the tree sparkled!

Loved this display!

The streets were aglow...

I'm thinking Visions of sugarplums dance in their heads!

Love these lights!!

Grand Theatre

Marche de Noel (Christmas market)

Lots of folk enjoying a nice evening out.

Chestnuts roasting....sort of an open fire

Le Pere Noel

We even found Frosty the Snowman!

Looking down Rue St. Catherine

So even though there's no snow....We can always pretend!

This week we are decorating the tree and finishing up the house.  Nana arrives Wednesday from the States to enjoy the holidays with us.  Lots of fun this season!  Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday Season!!