The holiday season in France

Not as planned we will be in England at the old house for Christmas. We had hoped to be in France but things just have not worked out. Today is a sad day as it is the 1st anniversary of Dads passing so things are a little subdued. Hopefully we can pick up a bit before Christmas. It will be small simple Christmas for us probably with more packing up going on ready for the move. Having date to work to would help of course once we get that it will be full steam ahead.

We do not know how the French treat Christmas so we will have to wait until 2017 to discover that.

I have noticed that most offices are open throughout the Christmas time here in France, which I find quite different to the UK. As the 26th is not a bank holiday, like it is in the UK everyone is expected to work over the Christmas period.
In terms of celebration, families come together on the 24th of December in the evening to have a large meal and exchange presents. A typical dessert at Christmas is the 'bûche de Noël', a chocolate log covered in chocolate buttercream which is delicious!
Christmas trees and decorations around the towns are commonplace and are usually put up at the beginning of December and also end of November.
Cards are exchanged between friends and instead of 'Merry Christmas'; the normal exclamation is 'Meilleurs Voeux' which translates as best wishes.
This time of the year is great for all ages; from kids to adults. In cities and the country side there are celebrations and decorations everywhere!