So this is Christmas

Claire excelled in her decorations again for this, our first Christmas in our lovely new house.

We did the French version of Christmas : Pascal and I attended the Reformed Church's afternoon play on 24th, then we had our Christmas meal en famille. Just the five of us. Claire did the organisation. A game, a film, and one present to open.

The menu: foie gras and tarama; lettuce salad; wild boar casserole and potato balls; local cheeses; and a home made bûche de Noël of which Claire and I are very proud. It's our first!

I always have a bit of a downer at this time because I'm so inbued with our family christmases in Australia. Lots of family, several occasions, church in the morning. I miss that and haven't managed to transmit it to my own family.

The next day, 25th, we had a French breakfast while skyping the family and then we were allowed to open the rest of the presents!

It was pleasant and intimate - we have such busy and varied lives that being together is becoming a luxury and a precious time to keep for ourselves. However, I do have a special thought for all those who do end up alone or isolated or who are far from family and/or friends.

I hope your Christmas was a special time and particularly stamped with the wonder of the Christ child and his mission on earth.

As part of the end of year celebrations ...

This was the last in a series of 9 English lessons for an after-school activity I held. 5 girls came every Thursday and they learned a simplified version of Little Red Riding Hood. They performed in front of their parents and we then shared an 'apéritif' - pre-dinner drinks - to celebrate Christmas.

"Take the cake to Grandma, please. She's very sick."

"Oh, Grandma, what big eyes!"

Claire has helped me each Thursday. She was the prompter and props person.

It was a good time of explaining our different Christmas customs. They were quite fascinated by the Aussie Christmas cards I had kept over the years. They all were born in this area and have lived here all their lives. They are young, modern French families, but very rooted in this country culture. 2 of the families went to England earlier this year, leaving this region for the very first time. They are connected to the Catholic church and send their kids to the Catholic Private school and it's interesting to note the differences in their way of thinking to even the people in our church, who were also born and raised here.

I hope to continue to get to know them.

Next English sessions will be in Spring.

Going back a month

Just wanted to show a little of Luc's surprise party for his 18th.

Hadn't a clue - so a real surprise!

the youth group friends

 And the birthday cake moment: