Apparently back home the wind has been fierce and damaging. We had three trees fall into our neighbors property and onto their garage. Some were dead, one was not, and some are leaning. So Randy spent most of the afternoon communicating with neighbors, the people in our home and tree companies back home. Luckily we have great supportive neighbors and house exchangers, Jill and Fred.
Mazie and I took off on a little adventure ride not really knowing where the road was going to take us. We ended up at an overlook that was pretty from the tip but the road to the top was narrow and steep. We do not plan to return. Cody continues to enjoy resting on cut olive branches under the table. He can be found there even in the rain.
We tried to incorporate some new French traditions on Christmas Eve and Christmas day. Friends from church invited us over for a huge feast called Le Réveillon, meaning to wake up or revive. There were 3 families represented, consisting of 7 kids under 16 and 10 adults. Some traditional foods we had were salmon, green beans cooked with garlic and butter, snails (escargot), wine, champagne, and cheese. One dish was a tasty Mauritius pork.
Randy and I tried the snails, not bad especially cooked in a butter, garlic, pesto-like sauce. We were asked to provide sweet American desserts. We had fun cooking multiple desserts all week. Our lists consisted of iced sugar cookies, chocolate chip cheesecake, apple pie, rice krispies treats, and a peanut butter chocolate oreo bar dessert (better than Reece’s PB cups). The tables were decorated elegantly down the center with place cards too.
We played a couple of games throughout the night, a video version of, “Name That Tune”, however in France they call it “Blind Test,” using music from the 70’s – 2000’s. Another game was to pick a name and give three clues about the person and everyone had to guess who you were describing. We sang English Christmas carols while the younger kids played video games. To end the evening the hosts, Flavy and Christian, had gifts for everyone. We were amazed and thankful for their inclusion, hospitality and generosity toward us. As we were driving home we saw Santa walking the sidewalk in our neighborhood. I was so shocked all I could do was wave and not snap a picture. I texted some little friends back in America to let them know Santa was seen without his sleigh. I was wishing them well and hoping Santa found his sleigh so he could cross the Atlantic and make it to their homes in time. We arrived home after midnight.
Christmas Day our kids slept in until 9am. We were thankful for the gifts, photos and cards given by family and friends. It was a wonderful normal feeling Christmas for us in our PJ’s, cinnamon rolls, background music and wrapping paper. Stockings were filled, presents were wrapped in huge boxes and stacked like the Sagrada Familia.
I had found little ceramic figures at the thrift store for us to have a nativity scene. We did have a few small presents in the kids’ Crocs under a chair because we do not have a fireplace in France. The kids did not know about this tradition so when they saw their Crocs they were even more surprised.
Here they say Père Noël gives the gifts and Père Fouettard is Father Spanker who helps Saint Nicholas to decide who has been good or bad. We had yummy chocolates wrapped in golden sparking paper with fringed ends called Papillotes all month. The kids enjoyed the day and we are thankful for Jesus.
We also find joy in Jill, Fred and their kids enjoying American style holidays with their family. It has been a long time coming for them. It is fun for us to see our house being loved and enjoyed.
Lees in France 