As a frenchman I just want to say, the time of the meal depends on the family, for example in my family we would have s amall special diner, for exemple with my partner on christmas eve, and the REAL meal with the entire family comes on christmas day in the afternoon, and this one can go on for easily 10 hours
One reason I enjoy your videos so much is your open-mindedness and understanding that it's not always a question of "better vs worse", but rather, an understanding that "different" is more accurate and, often, more interesting. Too often, people cannot seem to handle that concept and it's really a shame as they end up missing so much. American exceptionalism is so restraining. Life is short, so I commend you for living it! Looking forward to my next visit to France in the Spring, and I wish you all a wonderful Christmas!
Being an American I understand completely about the American over the top hustle. We live that way year around, not just at Christmas. I realize I’m an old codger perhaps, but I hope you can take to heart the more meaningful experiences you are having in France over the holidays. By the time you are close to my age, you may well be thankful for having learned how to live a more relaxed lifestyle. Merci beaucoup!
I’m an expat living near st. Tropez. The Christmas market here is absolutely fabulous, with delicious mulled wine and warm candied nuts. Santa always arrives on the 24th by yaught ! We always go as a family get-together, and have dinner afterwards.
If you have the opportunity to visit Le château de Vaux le Vicomte during Christmas Season, you'll be amazed by the lights and the decoration ! Many Castles in France open for christmas lights and these are beautiful strolls. I think we the french tend to maybe not decorate and enjoy Christmas as well as our british neighbours, but there still is a Chrismas Spirit we love to share. It's true that Christmas is known in France for spending HOURS around the table for lunch ^^. First round is on the 24th in the evening, then we celebrate Christmas on the 25th for lunch (aperitif, then a turkey, or a chapon, with la bûche de Noël, etc. We start around noon and leave the table around... probably 4pm-5pm !). Then depending on people, you have to celebrate again on the day after or between the 25th and the 31rst with your extended family or close friends. So it's common for most people to have on the same week one to 3 or 4 rounds of Christmas gatherings and lunches ^^.
This was such a sweet video. Perhaps because our kids are grown, and we're nearing retirement, I rather love the idea of a more relaxed Christmas. The Christmas markets in France are just our speed for enjoying the season. We can't wait 'til we're expats and can enjoy bringing over family and friends to experience Christmas in France with us! Bonne fêtes de Noël!🎄
When I lived in France I brought with me my prelit Christmas tree. My apartment faced out into a courtyard and my neighbors enjoyed seeing the tree with lights and decorations. It was odd not seeing people shop for gifts. Teaching at a university my students told me many of them did not give or receive gifts but there was family dinner to enjoy. I still cooked a turkey dinner on Christmas Day. It was relaxing not having the hustle and bustle of the season. Merry Christmas! Love your tree.
I would prefer the French version of Christmas over the American version anyday! I grew up in a Catholic family in the states and Christmas Eve was the big event, we never opened presents on Christmas morning. Christmas morning was a time to go to church and then we would have a family meal starting in the early afternoon. I loved celebrating on Christmas Eve because of the all the lights and we could stay up late. Also, because we were Catholic we never had meat on Christmas Eve, it was always fish or seafood.
The magic is to keep your fav traditions and to adopt some new ones. This best-of-both-worlds combo makes your Christmas unique and special. Also, looking fwd to Jason’s vin chaud video 🤣
Merci pour vos vídeos et votre vision différente d’un français. Cela nous permet de prendre du recul sur nos pratiques et habitudes et cela me fait du bien. Vous avez pris l’habitude de faire une vidéo toutes les semaines ne changez rien. Bonnes fêtes de fin d’année
Christmas seems much more exceptional in the USA and probably more modest in France; it must not be easy for you. But I admire your kindness and how you always try to see the positive side in every situation. Merry Xmas!
The Colmar Christmas market is great, as are many small markets in the Alsace area. There is lots of lighting, etc., and a Super atmosphere. Enjoy everything, best wishes and a healthy 2025. Joyeux Noël et bonne Année
Feeling SO EMOTIONAL remembering Christmas with my French family 2021 in La Rochelle. Saw a reenactment of the birth of Christ in a play with singing by the cast. Love Christmas in France!!!
Bonjour ! Yeah, as a Cuban immigrant in the US since 1962, we have ALWAYS celebrated Christmas EVE in parties with family principally. It is a big celebration and some homes roast a whole pig in a pit dug precisely for this reason. Christmas DAY is for visiting family and exchanging gifts. Dad would light up the house outside with beautiful decorations to add to our festive season. 🎄🎆🎇🎊So FRANCE would be a comfortable place for me to be!
Oh, I had the privilege of attending a celebration with a pig roasted in the ground wrapped in banana leaves, it was the most delicious meal I EVER had! I was friend/colleague of our Medical Director and his wife was Philippino and she made a traditional meal for us, absolutely amazing! It wasn’t during Christmas, but I wanted to comment to you about the traditional roasted pork. I appreciate tradition and we always celebrate Christmas Eve as you do as well 😊 May you have a blessed and happy Christmas.
Christmas is a family event here... might be a bit harder on you being here alone without your parents or cousins, but New Year's coming in and that's when friends come in for the fun ;)
Hi Baguette Bound from Perpignan, 🌴🌞 For Christmas Eve at home, we opened the gifts at midnight. My parents did that. Around a quarter to midnight, my uncle or another family member would take my brother and me to another room to tell us or show us something. And when we came back, Santa had come by, but in a hurry because he had to deliver the other children and couldn't wait for us. We got fooled every time. 😅 But I don't know if the other French do the same(?). Peace, folks. ☮👈😎
Yes, it was the same in our family of 20 (three gen.). Except that the gifts were so numerous that it was technically impossible to hide them. So they were piled up at the foot of the tree (well, more like on 2 meters around it) and the kids were so impatient/excited to unwrap them that it spoiled their appetites, but no pity, we used to ate at our own pace! 😆😅😅
When I was a kid, my larger family was spread all over the country, so either we would go somewhere in the family, or a set of grandparents and/or uncle & aunt with cousins would come at home, either way the house we were in would be packed to the rafters with people for at least 4 or 5 days. For us kids it felt pretty much like a week of Christmas, not just the one morning with the gifts; and I guess for the adults the evenings were the only times they could enjoy their time together without kids underfoot, thus very precious. Anyway, we kids were sent to bed after the Christmas Eve dinner, later than usual but still before midnight, and adults had the rest of the evening / night to put the gifts out for us, and exchange their own gifts; then we kids would open ours on Christmas morning, with adults looking on and preparing breakfast.
I think most people will long for or prefer the kind of Christmases that they grew up with. The season is often so tied to the memories and nostalgia of one's childhood. So even if you can appreciate a different kind of Christmas, there is just something about those odd foods and activities you used to do in your chilhood that make Christmas feel like Christmas 😅
I grew up poor in the US. My mom always took on extra shifts on every single holiday to make extra money. So, my childhood memories from Xmas are of longing to be with my mom. I can’t recall any special food we had. We had a tree until maybe early teens then all Xmas decorations ceased and we all just did something else for Xmas break. I did miss Xmas but also, we didn’t have to get gifts, decorate, or cook special foods
hello to you! I follow you and I really like your personality and your objectivity. I am French, I am now 56 years old and I can say that 20/30 years ago Christmas celebrations were much more festive! there was music everywhere in the streets, the towns were much brighter, the merchants had beautiful windows, and you had completely decorated villages and houses almost everywhere, musicians and choirs in the streets. Unfortunately all this Christmas magic tends to disappear, becomes too commercial and it is fashionable to save money on everything. And above all a much lower tolerance of non-Christians. I'm not a Christian myself, but Christmas is Christmas, and it must bring magic. without taking into account ecological sensitivities (I defend ecology) but the Christmas holidays only last 15 days! bonnes fêtes de fin d'année à vous.
Raine and Jason, very things you guys said is so so true. We are retired just do what we do what we like. We stop exchanging gifts, but we gift whenever we see and get together with others all year around. Thank you for sharing your happy thoughts in the past and present 🎉❤😊
Bonjour ! J'ai découvert vos vidéos récemment et c'est si plaisant de découvrir votre parcours en France. Votre aventure française est très instructive et parfois si amusante à suivre en tant que française ! De mon côté cela me permet de maintenir ma compréhension en anglais et connaître les comparaisons avec les USA ! Bonne continuation à vous dans vos différents projets "français"😉😅 Je vous souhaite d'excellentes fêtes de fin d'année et le meilleur pour 2025.🎉 Laurence (j'habite à Angers 😉)
As a French, Christmas markets seem a bit repetitive cause I'm really used to them now but I keep visiting them every year just for the ambience. It's just part of winter, strolling through a Christmas market, smelling the food, the vin chauds, the marrons, the crepes. I usually don't buy anything but it's still nice
The wine carrousel is amazing! I'm from Germany and know about Christmas markets in general, we have them here too. But never seen a turning bar, I think. Love it!
J'adore vos vidéos et surtout votre état d'esprit. Et J'adôre le pull de Noël des Girondins de Bordeaux. Excellentes fêtes. De la part d'un natif de Bx.
in France Christmas is essentially a family celebration, there can be a meal with colleagues but that's it, not all these social obligations that you have in the USA
Joyeux Noel Baguette bound. You two are pure delight. You are describing Christmas as it should be, family, friends good food. Not Christmas exploded like the Griswolds. It reminds me of Christmas when I was a child. Now I’m 74. BTW… my birthday is December 25. Way too much going on for me. Now I live alone with my rescued Frenchie Gigi spending lots of time making sourdough boules to give as gifts. Trés calm. Also getting ready for my trip to France for a month departing 1/9/2025. After a few days in Paris, I’ll take the train from Gare d’Austerlitze bound for Limoges. A bientôt….Joseph.
Après le repas de réveillon en famille, la tradition était jadis d'aller à la messe de minuit (qui se tenait souvent à 23:00 plutôt que minuit) et puis ensuite de manger une soupe à l'oignon avant d'aller se coucher.
I am a Christmas decor fanatic!! And imnplanning on bringing my decor...lol! I already told my husband we can leave everthing else but the decor must come. 😂
Seeing your Girondins sweater makes me happy/sad. Here's why: Happy because when I was younger I spent 4 weeks in Bordeaux on a soccer team exchange program. We went to Girondins games when they were good and in the top tier of French football. Now I see they're in administration and bankrupt. And in the 4th tier. Yikes! But I know they'll come back stronger and reach Ligue Un! ⚽ Another great video...
Christmas in France is very different from one family to another: some have a big dinner and a small lunch, or the other way around, or both are big. Some offer their gifts the evening, before lunch or after. Some go to mass the evening, some the morning, some both. And don’t get me started on the menu! 😂
Or better yet, no mass at all ! I tried it once as a kid, midnight mass in a medieval church in late December is miserable, the one blight amidst winter celebrations and family time.
Nice video again, thanks for sharing the differences you've noticed. The background shots of christmas decor throughout the French scenes look beautiful! :)
My experience of Xmas (as a French) is really about the over the top meals. The amount of money spent is sensibly more than i suppose other cultures would spend. Regarding Xmas Eve vs Xmas day, we tend to celebrate both. Usually it means one day with one side of the family one day with the other (in laws). Last (pro tip for Juliana) my sweetest memories were the luxurious snacks I had as a teenager. Nothing beats going to the kitchen and helping myself to some foie gras and some toasts and going back to the video game I was enjoying.
That Girondins pull-over with cute reindeer, it is a must🙂 Agree with your comments. In north america but doing the polish xmas or wigilia. Lot of work for prepareation but fun to share Xmas markets are more very old tradition of East France ( Strasbourg to see) Germany, Austrria ( Vienna), Krakow in Poland. Go to see one of them 1 day if living in Europe Happy Holidays A French guy in Canada for 22 y. With kid living close to you in le Sud Ouest
I've celebrated Christmas in the US, Europe and Africa and as I "ponder" on past memories ----- I'm remembering something a wise person once told me ------- "there is comfort in familiarity". Once you establish "new" traditions and new routines and new patterns of behavior -------- that will become your "new familiar thing" and you will find comfort. Just give it a little more time. Merry Christmas to your family from a gal in Virginia, USA who is eager and excited to get back out on the International "scene" again.
What I like is that you can enjoy it as much as you want but you do have to. Everyone can do as much as he wants. if you want to decorate more your house, feel free, kids will love it, neighbours will have a reason to talk shit, everything fine. Regarding the events, there are a lot, if you want to go, but you are not obliged to go. and at work, france tends as usual to limit it impact on private life. And of you want to give cookies to your firends and neighbours, feel free, but not necessarily expect some in return,
I love this but I think it’s good to remember for those in America we don’t need to do everything we have the opportunity to do. I recommend reading or listening to calm Christmas by Beth Kempton and it will help slow down and appreciate the season
Pour moi,la galette des rois est la tradition que je préfère.Une de nos traditions qui date de 800 avec preuve,mais sûrement depuis encore plus longtemps.🇨🇵🙏
La galette des rois arrivent bien après Noël, ce n'est pas tout à fait la même chose :). Il faut le temps que les Rois mages voyagent jusqu'à Jésus ;).
"One of my favorite thing to do is actually shopping for this meal" Good, a few more years and we'll make real French people out of you all. Not even kidding, that's how we do it, in an admitedly underhanded way... soon, the festive food preparation will extend to other events... then Week end/Sunday weekly feast... and then more or less all the time (well depending on your life shedule). I think the main difference between the US and France in this instance is that the French are more inner circle oriented, and we do far less for show. Not that we don't indulge in overconsumerism, far from it (that Christmas meal with all the trimmings can carry a hefty tag), but it is really family oriented event for us and much less of a sort of theatre production. Anyhow, wishing you a happy Christmas, and enjoy the shopping, the cooking, the feasting... and the talking about for years afterwards!
Thank you for your videos! It would be really interesting to get your perspective on religions and communities in the United States compared to France. The topic can be sensitive, that's for sure, but it is fascinating!
I truly love your videos with one exception, the volume of the music. I have bluetooth hearing aids and they tend to put background music over your conversation. Consequently I cannot determine what you are talking about. Is it possible to just leave the music off please? Your experiences are so interesting and lovely, I keep looking for them every day. Thank you so much for sharing.
What a wonderful video. Thanks for your insight! We always travel during the holidays and we have beautiful memories of Colmar and the whole Alsace region. Merry Christmas to you. 🎅🏼🎄 Non-related question: Raina, I love your hair. Can you tell us a little about it, and your experience in France with a little ‘maintenance’.😂 Thanks 😊
I'm in Strasbourg right now with my mother, it's amazing ! Tomorrow we're going to Colmar. I will say that apparently I've been a bad American for years. I've never given random presents to people, just family or close friends. Neither my mother or I drink. It's a shame that Christmas market videos never mention all the great non alcoholic options they have at the markets.
Beautifully and Good morning from Copperopolis …. you guys look so happy and that makes us happy….. is very wet and cold here…. Hope you have a very beautiful Christmas
I don't know, I was in Colmar and Strasbourg the first week-end of December, and it sure felt like half of Europe were there too, admiring expansive decorations, visiting Christmas markets and tasting mulled wine, cookies and bretzels 🎄🎅🎆 But yeah, Alsace is special, in other places there's fewer events, and mostly during the week prior, not all of December. Regarding outside light decoration displays on houses and other private properties, I feel there was a lot more when I was a kid, and it got progressively reduced with the rising cost of electricity (and general rising cost of living). Decorating, gift giving, and a big dinner on Christmas Eve are great and all, but you still need lights on and food on the table on the 26th... Even the cities, while still decorating the streets, have often reduced the period the decorations are on, and cut the lights at night (which isn't a bad thing for a lot of reasons, but it used to stay alight all night). As for shopping, I guess the main difference is you're living in a village. There's plenty of craziness going around in the city, the last few days are a frenzy of grocery shopping and last minute gifts. Maybe it's not to the level of the US, but it's about the worst time of the year to go to a supermarket (well, then and just before New Year's Eve a week later); even farmers market are overcrowded with crazy lines on each stall.
Anglo-Saxon culture, with all due respect, is quite consumerist driven. All these fairs, events, meetings, fundraisers.. so much consumption. It also probably ties to a religious calendar, where for most of the day, traditionally, people led rather more frugal lives, to have a bit of a blast in holidays season: hence parties, sledging, funfairs, dressing up etc. But in XXI century, when you are just a working parent, it is exhausting..
Opening Christmas present depends on the families. But usualy , especially when you have young children, you open xmas presents in the morning on the 25th. On the 24 , if you're religions, you go to the midnight mass and comming back have a réveillon dinner, rather light. The big meal is on the 25 at lunch time .
I’m seriously considering leaving the US for France in the next couple of years, or sooner if I can afford it. I am an introvert and often get a bit overwhelmed by the holiday bustle here, and that’s been the feeling all my life. The scenes you showed of the market and near Notre Dame were absolutely amazing! That I could just sit and look all day at❤. That’s the kind of life I’m looking for; peaceful, outdoors mostly, able to take the scenery in, a bit of travel, etc.. I’m doing some research now about housing and medical care since I do take medication and I’m on a budget. Can you tell I’m a type AA? 😂😂😂
Unless I've missed something, I think what you've seen in the video is the Strasbourg cathedral, not Notre-Dame of Paris. Strasbourg (like the whole region of Alsace) is known for their month-long Christmas markets, and one of them is on the cathedral forecourt.
With time, you'll find out that Christmas / New Year period may feel lighter for an American but it's the period a large part of the population put on a LOT of weight, on a nation scale. This period is full of friends inviting to you for lunch or dinner. And i mean BIG LONG, LONG meals. Especially on week-ends. The only exception is Christmas Eve and Christmas. Family and very close friends on the Eve and light meals on the 25th, watching kids open their gifts before exchanging or opening your own gifts.
3:40 Why "work events outside work hours"? You know us French people, we know when it's time to work, and when it's time to stop working. Besides stores, Christmas parties in France usuallay take place during work hours. I'm recently retired but I remember that we would close the office for the afternoon, starting at lunch time, for the Xmas party. Letting the customers know in advance that it was a no service day on that day. Christmas might be "lighter" because it's mostly a private, family event, a time for family reunions - a bit like Thanksgiving in the US. The New Year's eve is the moment to party with your friends.
Festivities? Can you imagine this: My birthday is on December 23rd, it starts off strong on the evening of the 23rd, then on the evening of the 24th, Christmas Eve, then the 25th, Christmas Day, then... the 26th, St.Etienne Day, traditionally a holiday in Alsace. And the song the next day is : "J'ai bien mangé, j'ai bien bû, j'ai la peau du ventre bien tendue, merci petit Jésus !... " 😂 Joyeux Noël à vous tous !
I can relate. We have spent the last 3 Christmas in Saint-Martin, Antilles. We are from Canada where Christmas is not as crazy as the U.S. but pretty intense. We find the very same. The French are focused on the Champagne, Foie gras, caviar, oysters and down here the Panetonne cake. Presents not so much!
Yes but I'm French and we always opened our gifts in the morning of Christmas. Now that I 'm 42 I try to gather my memory, for the 25th meal, I 'm not sure about the most important meal , whether on the eve or on the day but I remember we were so excited on the eve for Santa Klaus to come during the night and the presents we would discover the next morning, 🙂 if I can dare why you feel like the French Christmas is lighter is because there are fewer people , close acquaintances here in France that may fill this vacation than it was in the US? Also the French are less happy these last years so maybe it also spills on the general atmosphere of Christmas. Happy Christmas anyway :-)
I know people are in love with Colmar's Xmas market but for me Strasbourg really is "la capitale de Nöel". There are many different market doting the city and you can walk from one to the other but give yourself 2/3 nights. The atmosphere is amazing, the food scrumptious, and, unlike Colmar, there are no Swiss kids! 🤭 It's just a personal experience but I think Swiss kids are little menaces! All that yodeling must be making them nuts.😁
Love the video. I too really enjoy the Marches de...Marches de...Marches de Noel. :-) The sound on the video is a little low, requiring cranking up the volume which is horrible when it breaks for commercial.
Il faut préciser que le Réveillon de Noel n'était pas dans le même esprit qu'aujourd'hui au début du XXe siècle ... A cette époque le repas était dit "maigre", et il se faisait après la messe de minuit. Ensuite les gens allaient se coucher. Ils attendaient le lendemain 25 à midi pour faire un repas gargantuesque ...
Christmas snuck up on us also because of the very few holiday obligations!! Although our current AirBnB hosts greeted us with a decorated Christmas Tree when we arrived for the month. Reyna - In one of your last vids you mentioned being from Greenville…my Mom was from Greenville (8th gen Texan) & hubby is also Coloradan. Tres bizarre!!! We are still here (since Avril) - we just found a forever house in Castellar - the seller made sure to give us several bottles of wine the last time we saw him as well as some pink champagne for me for Christmas : ) Joyeux Noel y’all 🎉🎉🎉
We're in the US, hoping to move/early retire in France. We're in Annecy today, came from Dijon last week. Headed to Germany, then Eguisheim, then Strasbourg for Christmas. We're not religious and prefer Les Joyeuses Fêtes already.
I work for an américain law firm. We have gatherings outside works related about every 3 months for every one. Next week we ll have à dinner for xmas. No one is obliged to go but it s a good outing w colleagues and not talking about work, just for the fun. Lawyers do have gatherings to expand their connections
Hello, thank you for this nice video, as usual. Please anyone can help me to identify the music we can hear from 0:46 to the 2nd minute ? I looooove that one!
Il n'y a pas de Noël sans ce que l'on surnome en France les "pulls moches de Noël". En trouver un de l'équipe des Girondins relêve d'une grande originalité !
As always, I really think that the main difference is the pressure level the US people is putting on itself. To be always the best / most participating in addition to a crazy year schedule. For me, you are like someone running forever always mentioning how late he is. Here in France end of year is a real () dedicated to family, food, chill. Is it ok to spare your afternoon discussing at the table belly filled with wine when kids are running in the room while grand daddy is taking a nap
Oh vous etes venus visiter le marche de noel de Strasbourg ? I live there and i would realy have enjoyded meeting you for a cafe and cakes.... hope you enjoyded the hollidays !
Something to be aware of : Christmas is mainly a religious fest, and 60/65% of Frenchs don't believe in any god, then it became more a family fest. New Year celebrations are more festive and provide more social fests, entertainment...
I don’t think Christmas became a more subdued affair in France because of that. The frugal tradition is very much part of the traditional Christmas. In many places people only had soup or a simple dinner on the 24th before going to mass. In my family we have something simple on the 24th and the family meal is lunch on the 25th so it depends. The French are a more frugal lot (because they were poor crofters not so long ago) than the Americans and consumerism is not as extreme (traditionally at least) A debauchery of lights, presents, parties, etc is also not in the French spirit of measure and less is more. It might change with the younger generations though, I don't know...
I'm from the north east part of France, near the swiss border and Alsace. For us Xmas time beginn with the first sunday of Advent even if we're not very religious or not at all, house decoration, time to start the Xmas tree ( my father had one decored outside like a lot of neighbours, only outside deco). On the 6 th of December it's Saint Nicolas, a bishop who give candys, orange, gingerbread or mannala ( brioche in gingerbread man form), before he gived present too. After that you have all the towns Xmas markets ( Montbéliard has a good one with beautiful lights), schools one. Then Xmas eve and day, if extended family is nearby could be one mother side, one father side or one parents +!kids and one the whole family. Each family has his way and it can change each year. Xmas Eve meal and Xmas day one aren't the same, Eve lighter than day and yes its for hours because we take our time, have pauses between dishes. New year eve is more friends than family and it's not over because we have on the 6th of January or first sunday of the year the epiphany with the traditional galette that will last all january, in family, with friends, at work, at clubs, town hall ... 😂 For me Xmas celebration will be this year on Xmas Eve as one of my grandkid is going to Xmas day at his father's. We will be all at one off my kids house, plan a buffet style dinner, do broad games and sleep all there. Presents will be during breakfast that could transform in brunch. We really enjoy theses pure family times with grandkids, aunt and uncles... A pause in our lifes.
Here in California there is so much more traffic and crowds at the stores and people drive faster and are even more rude. I hate even leaving my house.
As a frenchman I just want to say, the time of the meal depends on the family, for example in my family we would have s amall special diner, for exemple with my partner on christmas eve, and the REAL meal with the entire family comes on christmas day in the afternoon, and this one can go on for easily 10 hours
In France, Christmas is a close family thing usually. Saint Sylvestre night might be more a friend/neighbors/family's party.
Exactement.
And no real 'count down at Times square' thing.
Same in Germany. Christmas for/with family, Silvester for/with friends.
One reason I enjoy your videos so much is your open-mindedness and understanding that it's not always a question of "better vs worse", but rather, an understanding that "different" is more accurate and, often, more interesting. Too often, people cannot seem to handle that concept and it's really a shame as they end up missing so much. American exceptionalism is so restraining. Life is short, so I commend you for living it!
Looking forward to my next visit to France in the Spring, and I wish you all a wonderful Christmas!
Des américains qui analysent et réfléchissent, what a pleasure ! Bravo Baguette Bound
Being an American I understand completely about the American over the top hustle. We live that way year around, not just at Christmas. I realize I’m an old codger perhaps, but I hope you can take to heart the more meaningful experiences you are having in France over the holidays. By the time you are close to my age, you may well be thankful for having learned how to live a more relaxed lifestyle. Merci beaucoup!
I’m an expat living near st. Tropez. The Christmas market here is absolutely fabulous, with delicious mulled wine and warm candied nuts. Santa always arrives on the 24th by yaught ! We always go as a family get-together, and have dinner afterwards.
If you have the opportunity to visit Le château de Vaux le Vicomte during Christmas Season, you'll be amazed by the lights and the decoration ! Many Castles in France open for christmas lights and these are beautiful strolls. I think we the french tend to maybe not decorate and enjoy Christmas as well as our british neighbours, but there still is a Chrismas Spirit we love to share. It's true that Christmas is known in France for spending HOURS around the table for lunch ^^. First round is on the 24th in the evening, then we celebrate Christmas on the 25th for lunch (aperitif, then a turkey, or a chapon, with la bûche de Noël, etc. We start around noon and leave the table around... probably 4pm-5pm !). Then depending on people, you have to celebrate again on the day after or between the 25th and the 31rst with your extended family or close friends. So it's common for most people to have on the same week one to 3 or 4 rounds of Christmas gatherings and lunches ^^.
This was such a sweet video. Perhaps because our kids are grown, and we're nearing retirement, I rather love the idea of a more relaxed Christmas. The Christmas markets in France are just our speed for enjoying the season. We can't wait 'til we're expats and can enjoy bringing over family and friends to experience Christmas in France with us! Bonne fêtes de Noël!🎄
When I lived in France I brought with me my prelit Christmas tree. My apartment faced out into a courtyard and my neighbors enjoyed seeing the tree with lights and decorations. It was odd not seeing people shop for gifts. Teaching at a university my students told me many of them did not give or receive gifts but there was family dinner to enjoy. I still cooked a turkey dinner on Christmas Day. It was relaxing not having the hustle and bustle of the season. Merry Christmas! Love your tree.
I would prefer the French version of Christmas over the American version anyday! I grew up in a Catholic family in the states and Christmas Eve was the big event, we never opened presents on Christmas morning. Christmas morning was a time to go to church and then we would have a family meal starting in the early afternoon. I loved celebrating on Christmas Eve because of the all the lights and we could stay up late. Also, because we were Catholic we never had meat on Christmas Eve, it was always fish or seafood.
yes that sounds like what the french do, as they are still predominantly catholics (but that seems to be fading away).
The magic is to keep your fav traditions and to adopt some new ones. This best-of-both-worlds combo makes your Christmas unique and special. Also, looking fwd to Jason’s vin chaud video 🤣
Merci pour vos vídeos et votre vision différente d’un français. Cela nous permet de prendre du recul sur nos pratiques et habitudes et cela me fait du bien. Vous avez pris l’habitude de faire une vidéo toutes les semaines ne changez rien. Bonnes fêtes de fin d’année
Christmas seems much more exceptional in the USA and probably more modest in France; it must not be easy for you. But I admire your kindness and how you always try to see the positive side in every situation. Merry Xmas!
I'd say overblown versus exceptional but yes.
The Colmar Christmas market is great, as are many small markets in the Alsace area. There is lots of lighting, etc., and a Super atmosphere. Enjoy everything, best wishes and a healthy 2025. Joyeux Noël et bonne Année
Feeling SO EMOTIONAL remembering Christmas with my French family 2021 in La Rochelle. Saw a reenactment of the birth of Christ in a play with singing by the cast. Love Christmas in France!!!
Bonjour ! Yeah, as a Cuban immigrant in the US since 1962, we have ALWAYS celebrated Christmas EVE in parties with family principally. It is a big celebration and some homes roast a whole pig in a pit dug precisely for this reason. Christmas DAY is for visiting family and exchanging gifts. Dad would light up the house outside with beautiful decorations to add to our festive season. 🎄🎆🎇🎊So FRANCE would be a comfortable place for me to be!
Oh, I had the privilege of attending a celebration with a pig roasted in the ground wrapped in banana leaves, it was the most delicious meal I EVER had! I was friend/colleague of our Medical Director and his wife was Philippino and she made a traditional meal for us, absolutely amazing! It wasn’t during Christmas, but I wanted to comment to you about the traditional roasted pork. I appreciate tradition and we always celebrate Christmas Eve as you do as well 😊 May you have a blessed and happy Christmas.
@@lisasuhr6433 Wonderful! I worked for a Filipino company for a few years and often had Pork Adobo! Blessings to you!
Christmas is a family event here... might be a bit harder on you being here alone without your parents or cousins, but New Year's coming in and that's when friends come in for the fun ;)
Hi Baguette Bound from Perpignan, 🌴🌞
For Christmas Eve at home, we opened the gifts at midnight.
My parents did that. Around a quarter to midnight, my uncle or another family member would take my brother and me to another room to tell us or show us something. And when we came back, Santa had come by, but in a hurry because he had to deliver the other children and couldn't wait for us. We got fooled every time. 😅
But I don't know if the other French do the same(?).
Peace, folks. ☮👈😎
Yes the same for my family
Yes, it was the same in our family of 20 (three gen.). Except that the gifts were so numerous that it was technically impossible to hide them. So they were piled up at the foot of the tree (well, more like on 2 meters around it) and the kids were so impatient/excited to unwrap them that it spoiled their appetites, but no pity, we used to ate at our own pace! 😆😅😅
When I was a kid, my larger family was spread all over the country, so either we would go somewhere in the family, or a set of grandparents and/or uncle & aunt with cousins would come at home, either way the house we were in would be packed to the rafters with people for at least 4 or 5 days.
For us kids it felt pretty much like a week of Christmas, not just the one morning with the gifts; and I guess for the adults the evenings were the only times they could enjoy their time together without kids underfoot, thus very precious.
Anyway, we kids were sent to bed after the Christmas Eve dinner, later than usual but still before midnight, and adults had the rest of the evening / night to put the gifts out for us, and exchange their own gifts; then we kids would open ours on Christmas morning, with adults looking on and preparing breakfast.
🇨🇵🎄 JOYEUX NOËL 🎄🇨🇵
Merci!! ❤️🎄✨️ Joyeux Noel!!
@@BaguetteBound 🎁🎄🎁😉
I think most people will long for or prefer the kind of Christmases that they grew up with. The season is often so tied to the memories and nostalgia of one's childhood. So even if you can appreciate a different kind of Christmas, there is just something about those odd foods and activities you used to do in your chilhood that make Christmas feel like Christmas 😅
I don't miss a thing!
I grew up poor in the US. My mom always took on extra shifts on every single holiday to make extra money. So, my childhood memories from Xmas are of longing to be with my mom. I can’t recall any special food we had. We had a tree until maybe early teens then all Xmas decorations ceased and we all just did something else for Xmas break. I did miss Xmas but also, we didn’t have to get gifts, decorate, or cook special foods
Love the Girondins de Bordeaux christmas pull ! You're truly integrated ahaha !
@BaronDiacre.
Pitié, vous ne pouvez pas changer d’image ?
@@ac8907 Ne soyez pas un brise joie ( don't be a kill joy) JOyeux Noel!
@@ac8907 ça vous fait chier ? ça me ravit
hello to you! I follow you and I really like your personality and your objectivity.
I am French, I am now 56 years old and I can say that 20/30 years ago Christmas celebrations were much more festive! there was music everywhere in the streets, the towns were much brighter, the merchants had beautiful windows, and you had completely decorated villages and houses almost everywhere, musicians and choirs in the streets. Unfortunately all this Christmas magic tends to disappear, becomes too commercial and it is fashionable to save money on everything. And above all a much lower tolerance of non-Christians. I'm not a Christian myself, but Christmas is Christmas, and it must bring magic. without taking into account ecological sensitivities (I defend ecology) but the Christmas holidays only last 15 days!
bonnes fêtes de fin d'année à vous.
Raine and Jason, very things you guys said is so so true. We are retired just do what we do what we like. We stop exchanging gifts, but we gift whenever we see and get together with others all year around. Thank you for sharing your happy thoughts in the past and present 🎉❤😊
Exactement !! .... C'est surtout le repas de noël qui est important !! 😂😂😋😋😋👌👌👍👍
Vous êtes vraiment adorables... that way you are telling how you discover me country ! 🥰💕 Joyeux Noël les amis !
Bonjour ! J'ai découvert vos vidéos récemment et c'est si plaisant de découvrir votre parcours en France. Votre aventure française est très instructive et parfois si amusante à suivre en tant que française !
De mon côté cela me permet de maintenir ma compréhension en anglais et connaître les comparaisons avec les USA !
Bonne continuation à vous dans vos différents projets "français"😉😅
Je vous souhaite d'excellentes fêtes de fin d'année et le meilleur pour 2025.🎉
Laurence (j'habite à Angers 😉)
As a French, Christmas markets seem a bit repetitive cause I'm really used to them now but I keep visiting them every year just for the ambience. It's just part of winter, strolling through a Christmas market, smelling the food, the vin chauds, the marrons, the crepes. I usually don't buy anything but it's still nice
Our Xmas market here in my US city costs $ to enter, then everything is expensive and everyone wants a 20% +
tip. No thank you.
The wine carrousel is amazing!
I'm from Germany and know about Christmas markets in general, we have them here too. But never seen a turning bar, I think.
Love it!
Magnifique pull de Noël, Jason.😊
Girondins de Bordeaux ... great !!
Joyeux Noël, passez de bonnes fêtes...
J'adore vos vidéos et surtout votre état d'esprit. Et J'adôre le pull de Noël des Girondins de Bordeaux. Excellentes fêtes. De la part d'un natif de Bx.
Nice shots from Strasbourg and Alsace :) (Spent 5 years in Strasbourg, loved it)
I love the Girondins Christmas pullover !
And I am from Ile de France… 😉
Still. It’s lovely !
in France Christmas is essentially a family celebration, there can be a meal with colleagues but that's it, not all these social obligations that you have in the USA
I notice Jason talked about the vin chaud at least twice 😁
Joyeux Noel Baguette bound. You two are pure delight. You are describing Christmas as it should be, family, friends good food. Not Christmas exploded like the Griswolds.
It reminds me of Christmas when I was a child. Now I’m 74. BTW… my birthday is December 25. Way too much going on for me. Now I live alone with my rescued Frenchie Gigi spending lots of time making sourdough boules to give as gifts. Trés calm.
Also getting ready for my trip to France for a month departing 1/9/2025. After a few days in Paris, I’ll take the train from Gare d’Austerlitze bound for Limoges.
A bientôt….Joseph.
Have a great trip and safe travels!
Passez un excellent réveillon de Noël ! 🎅❄☃🎄🎁🥂🍪🍰
Merci!! 😊 Joyeux fêtes !! 🥂
@@BaguetteBound
Merci ! Joyeuses fêtes de fin d'année à vous aussi ! 😊
Jason, I LOOOOVE your Girondins sweater.
I've been enjoying watching your videos for the past few months. You obviously seem healthier.
Sympa les pulls 😀 !
Joyeux Noël 🎅🎁 à toute votre famille et vive le vin chaud 🍷 sur les marchés de Noël...🎄
Merci and joyeux Noël !🍷❤️
Après le repas de réveillon en famille, la tradition était jadis d'aller à la messe de minuit (qui se tenait souvent à 23:00 plutôt que minuit) et puis ensuite de manger une soupe à l'oignon avant d'aller se coucher.
I am a Christmas decor fanatic!! And imnplanning on bringing my decor...lol! I already told my husband we can leave everthing else but the decor must come. 😂
Seeing your Girondins sweater makes me happy/sad. Here's why:
Happy because when I was younger I spent 4 weeks in Bordeaux on a soccer team exchange program. We went to Girondins games when they were good and in the top tier of French football.
Now I see they're in administration and bankrupt. And in the 4th tier. Yikes!
But I know they'll come back stronger and reach Ligue Un! ⚽
Another great video...
Oh wow, thats a cool connection!
🤞for their next few years....
Christmas in France is very different from one family to another: some have a big dinner and a small lunch, or the other way around, or both are big. Some offer their gifts the evening, before lunch or after. Some go to mass the evening, some the morning, some both. And don’t get me started on the menu! 😂
oui, c'est vrai !
Or better yet, no mass at all ! I tried it once as a kid, midnight mass in a medieval church in late December is miserable, the one blight amidst winter celebrations and family time.
Nice video again, thanks for sharing the differences you've noticed. The background shots of christmas decor throughout the French scenes look beautiful! :)
My experience of Xmas (as a French) is really about the over the top meals. The amount of money spent is sensibly more than i suppose other cultures would spend.
Regarding Xmas Eve vs Xmas day, we tend to celebrate both. Usually it means one day with one side of the family one day with the other (in laws).
Last (pro tip for Juliana) my sweetest memories were the luxurious snacks I had as a teenager. Nothing beats going to the kitchen and helping myself to some foie gras and some toasts and going back to the video game I was enjoying.
That Girondins pull-over with cute reindeer, it is a must🙂
Agree with your comments. In north america but doing the polish xmas or wigilia. Lot of work for prepareation but fun to share
Xmas markets are more very old tradition of East France ( Strasbourg to see) Germany, Austrria ( Vienna), Krakow in Poland. Go to see one of them 1 day if living in Europe
Happy Holidays
A French guy in Canada for 22 y. With kid living close to you in le Sud Ouest
Oh, you were in Colmar?? My absolute favorite in France together with Strassbourg. Especially the christmas market! I am a bit jalous.... 😊
I've celebrated Christmas in the US, Europe and Africa and as I "ponder" on past memories ----- I'm remembering something a wise person once told me ------- "there is comfort in familiarity". Once you establish "new" traditions and new routines and new patterns of behavior -------- that will become your "new familiar thing" and you will find comfort. Just give it a little more time. Merry Christmas to your family from a gal in Virginia, USA who is eager and excited to get back out on the International "scene" again.
What I like is that you can enjoy it as much as you want but you do have to.
Everyone can do as much as he wants. if you want to decorate more your house, feel free, kids will love it, neighbours will have a reason to talk shit, everything fine.
Regarding the events, there are a lot, if you want to go, but you are not obliged to go. and at work, france tends as usual to limit it impact on private life.
And of you want to give cookies to your firends and neighbours, feel free, but not necessarily expect some in return,
I love this but I think it’s good to remember for those in America we don’t need to do everything we have the opportunity to do. I recommend reading or listening to calm Christmas by Beth Kempton and it will help slow down and appreciate the season
Pour moi,la galette des rois est la tradition que je préfère.Une de nos traditions qui date de 800 avec preuve,mais sûrement depuis encore plus longtemps.🇨🇵🙏
La galette des rois arrivent bien après Noël, ce n'est pas tout à fait la même chose :). Il faut le temps que les Rois mages voyagent jusqu'à Jésus ;).
@FB6418 bien après ?🤔,faut pas exagérer 7 jours c'est peu de temps après pour moi😉.Tu n'as pas la notion du temps ou bien mon ami?
@first-dooblette6911 7 jours c'est après le nouvel an donc on est bien après Noël oui.
@@FB6418 pas bien après, juste après suffit 🥳🥳🥳
C’est le 6 janvier, donc 12 jours après 😇
That sounds like the perfect way to celebrate Christmas. I won’t miss the “American” way one bit.
Did the Christkindlmarket in Germany last year, wonderful.
Joyeux Noël !
"One of my favorite thing to do is actually shopping for this meal" Good, a few more years and we'll make real French people out of you all.
Not even kidding, that's how we do it, in an admitedly underhanded way... soon, the festive food preparation will extend to other events... then Week end/Sunday weekly feast... and then more or less all the time (well depending on your life shedule).
I think the main difference between the US and France in this instance is that the French are more inner circle oriented, and we do far less for show. Not that we don't indulge in overconsumerism, far from it (that Christmas meal with all the trimmings can carry a hefty tag), but it is really family oriented event for us and much less of a sort of theatre production.
Anyhow, wishing you a happy Christmas, and enjoy the shopping, the cooking, the feasting... and the talking about for years afterwards!
In Belgium my "end of year work event" is a lunch DURING work time. Nobody would want to come for an after work. Personal time is not for work.
I love jason's sweater 👍
I do bugger all for xmas and luckily I am not the only one.
Thank you for your videos! It would be really interesting to get your perspective on religions and communities in the United States compared to France. The topic can be sensitive, that's for sure, but it is fascinating!
I truly love your videos with one exception, the volume of the music. I have bluetooth hearing aids and they tend to put background music over your conversation. Consequently I cannot determine what you are talking about. Is it possible to just leave the music off please? Your experiences are so interesting and lovely, I keep looking for them every day. Thank you so much for sharing.
What a wonderful video. Thanks for your insight! We always travel during the holidays and we have beautiful memories of Colmar and the whole Alsace region. Merry Christmas to you. 🎅🏼🎄
Non-related question: Raina, I love your hair. Can you tell us a little about it, and your experience in France with a little ‘maintenance’.😂 Thanks 😊
Bonnes fêtes de Noël à tous les trois ! Happy Christmas to all three!💕
I'm in Strasbourg right now with my mother, it's amazing ! Tomorrow we're going to Colmar. I will say that apparently I've been a bad American for years. I've never given random presents to people, just family or close friends. Neither my mother or I drink. It's a shame that Christmas market videos never mention all the great non alcoholic options they have at the markets.
The holidays, French-style, spund railor nade for an introvert like me! T- minus 6 months for my French landing! Joyeux noël!
Beautifully and Good morning from Copperopolis …. you guys look so happy and that makes us happy….. is very wet and cold here…. Hope you have a very beautiful Christmas
Oh, my... That Christmas sweater, Jason! Ça passe là bas?
Joyeuse fetes
I don't know, I was in Colmar and Strasbourg the first week-end of December, and it sure felt like half of Europe were there too, admiring expansive decorations, visiting Christmas markets and tasting mulled wine, cookies and bretzels 🎄🎅🎆 But yeah, Alsace is special, in other places there's fewer events, and mostly during the week prior, not all of December.
Regarding outside light decoration displays on houses and other private properties, I feel there was a lot more when I was a kid, and it got progressively reduced with the rising cost of electricity (and general rising cost of living). Decorating, gift giving, and a big dinner on Christmas Eve are great and all, but you still need lights on and food on the table on the 26th...
Even the cities, while still decorating the streets, have often reduced the period the decorations are on, and cut the lights at night (which isn't a bad thing for a lot of reasons, but it used to stay alight all night).
As for shopping, I guess the main difference is you're living in a village.
There's plenty of craziness going around in the city, the last few days are a frenzy of grocery shopping and last minute gifts. Maybe it's not to the level of the US, but it's about the worst time of the year to go to a supermarket (well, then and just before New Year's Eve a week later); even farmers market are overcrowded with crazy lines on each stall.
Also, pretty much everything is closed on Christmas Day, but on the 26th it's crazy again with people returning gifts...
Anglo-Saxon culture, with all due respect, is quite consumerist driven. All these fairs, events, meetings, fundraisers.. so much consumption. It also probably ties to a religious calendar, where for most of the day, traditionally, people led rather more frugal lives, to have a bit of a blast in holidays season: hence parties, sledging, funfairs, dressing up etc. But in XXI century, when you are just a working parent, it is exhausting..
Opening Christmas present depends on the families. But usualy , especially when you have young children, you open xmas presents in the morning on the 25th.
On the 24 , if you're religions, you go to the midnight mass and comming back have a réveillon dinner, rather light. The big meal is on the 25 at lunch time .
I’m seriously considering leaving the US for France in the next couple of years, or sooner if I can afford it. I am an introvert and often get a bit overwhelmed by the holiday bustle here, and that’s been the feeling all my life. The scenes you showed of the market and near Notre Dame were absolutely amazing! That I could just sit and look all day at❤. That’s the kind of life I’m looking for; peaceful, outdoors mostly, able to take the scenery in, a bit of travel, etc.. I’m doing some research now about housing and medical care since I do take medication and I’m on a budget. Can you tell I’m a type AA? 😂😂😂
Unless I've missed something, I think what you've seen in the video is the Strasbourg cathedral, not Notre-Dame of Paris. Strasbourg (like the whole region of Alsace) is known for their month-long Christmas markets, and one of them is on the cathedral forecourt.
With time, you'll find out that Christmas / New Year period may feel lighter for an American but it's the period a large part of the population put on a LOT of weight, on a nation scale.
This period is full of friends inviting to you for lunch or dinner. And i mean BIG LONG, LONG meals. Especially on week-ends.
The only exception is Christmas Eve and Christmas. Family and very close friends on the Eve and light meals on the 25th, watching kids open their gifts before exchanging or opening your own gifts.
Did you go and see the Isenhaim Altar in Colmar ? it is so beautiful !
3:40 Why "work events outside work hours"? You know us French people, we know when it's time to work, and when it's time to stop working. Besides stores, Christmas parties in France usuallay take place during work hours. I'm recently retired but I remember that we would close the office for the afternoon, starting at lunch time, for the Xmas party. Letting the customers know in advance that it was a no service day on that day.
Christmas might be "lighter" because it's mostly a private, family event, a time for family reunions - a bit like Thanksgiving in the US. The New Year's eve is the moment to party with your friends.
Festivities? Can you imagine this: My birthday is on December 23rd, it starts off strong on the evening of the 23rd, then on the evening of the 24th, Christmas Eve, then the 25th, Christmas Day, then... the 26th, St.Etienne Day, traditionally a holiday in Alsace. And the song the next day is :
"J'ai bien mangé, j'ai bien bû,
j'ai la peau du ventre bien tendue,
merci petit Jésus !... " 😂
Joyeux Noël à vous tous !
I can relate. We have spent the last 3 Christmas in Saint-Martin, Antilles. We are from Canada where Christmas is not as crazy as the U.S. but pretty intense. We find the very same. The French are focused on the Champagne, Foie gras, caviar, oysters and down here the Panetonne cake. Presents not so much!
Yes but I'm French and we always opened our gifts in the morning of Christmas. Now that I 'm 42 I try to gather my memory, for the 25th meal, I 'm not sure about the most important meal , whether on the eve or on the day but I remember we were so excited on the eve for Santa Klaus to come during the night and the presents we would discover the next morning, 🙂 if I can dare why you feel like the French Christmas is lighter is because there are fewer people , close acquaintances here in France that may fill this vacation than it was in the US? Also the French are less happy these last years so maybe it also spills on the general atmosphere of Christmas. Happy Christmas anyway :-)
I know people are in love with Colmar's Xmas market but for me Strasbourg really is "la capitale de Nöel". There are many different market doting the city and you can walk from one to the other but give yourself 2/3 nights. The atmosphere is amazing, the food scrumptious, and, unlike Colmar, there are no Swiss kids! 🤭 It's just a personal experience but I think Swiss kids are little menaces! All that yodeling must be making them nuts.😁
Love the video. I too really enjoy the Marches de...Marches de...Marches de Noel. :-) The sound on the video is a little low, requiring cranking up the volume which is horrible when it breaks for commercial.
ahha Jason already a Bordeaux fan!
Il faut préciser que le Réveillon de Noel n'était pas dans le même esprit qu'aujourd'hui au début du XXe siècle ... A cette époque le repas était dit "maigre", et il se faisait après la messe de minuit. Ensuite les gens allaient se coucher. Ils attendaient le lendemain 25 à midi pour faire un repas gargantuesque ...
Noël n'était pas probablement dans le même esprit au début du XXème siècle aux Etats-Unis non plus, et alors ? Le sujet est Noël aujourd'hui...
@@_asphobelle6887 Et alors quoi ... Rien n'interdit de préciser ... Mon propos c'est Noel aussi ...
I'd love to experience the US's Christmas
Well, choose your Life !!!!!!!!
Christmas snuck up on us also because of the very few holiday obligations!! Although our current AirBnB hosts greeted us with a decorated Christmas Tree when we arrived for the month. Reyna - In one of your last vids you mentioned being from Greenville…my Mom was from Greenville (8th gen Texan) & hubby is also Coloradan. Tres bizarre!!! We are still here (since Avril) - we just found a forever house in Castellar - the seller made sure to give us several bottles of wine the last time we saw him as well as some pink champagne for me for Christmas : ) Joyeux Noel y’all 🎉🎉🎉
Oh wow!! Your mom wasn't in the "Newcomers club" was she? My gran’y was a member for 35 years. 😂
We're in the US, hoping to move/early retire in France. We're in Annecy today, came from Dijon last week. Headed to Germany, then Eguisheim, then Strasbourg for Christmas. We're not religious and prefer Les Joyeuses Fêtes already.
Ouah Jason fan des Girondins de Bordeaux? vous venez de refaire ma journée!
I work for an américain law firm. We have gatherings outside works related about every 3 months for every one. Next week we ll have à dinner for xmas. No one is obliged to go but it s a good outing w colleagues and not talking about work, just for the fun. Lawyers do have gatherings to expand their connections
Merry xmas to all
Hello, thank you for this nice video, as usual. Please anyone can help me to identify the music we can hear from 0:46 to the 2nd minute ? I looooove that one!
Carol of the bells
Oh that pullover. 😅
So... You've chosen your team! 🤣
Il n'y a pas de Noël sans ce que l'on surnome en France les "pulls moches de Noël". En trouver un de l'équipe des Girondins relêve d'une grande originalité !
Has Jason become a Girondins de Bordeaux fan?
@@paulchapoy992oh c’est recent les ugly xmas sweater… ça a été importé de UK je crois
😂
Christmas in the US feels like nuts and oppressive the way you describe it, so many obligations to total strangers ...
Lol nice girodins ... next shot a photo at the stadium
As always, I really think that the main difference is the pressure level the US people is putting on itself. To be always the best / most participating in addition to a crazy year schedule. For me, you are like someone running forever always mentioning how late he is. Here in France end of year is a real () dedicated to family, food, chill. Is it ok to spare your afternoon discussing at the table belly filled with wine when kids are running in the room while grand daddy is taking a nap
Christmas markets are a big thing all over Europe, but Germany is most famous for it.
Oh vous etes venus visiter le marche de noel de Strasbourg ? I live there and i would realy have enjoyded meeting you for a cafe and cakes.... hope you enjoyded the hollidays !
Something to be aware of : Christmas is mainly a religious fest, and 60/65% of Frenchs don't believe in any god, then it became more a family fest. New Year celebrations are more festive and provide more social fests, entertainment...
I don’t think Christmas became a more subdued affair in France because of that. The frugal tradition is very much part of the traditional Christmas. In many places people only had soup or a simple dinner on the 24th before going to mass. In my family we have something simple on the 24th and the family meal is lunch on the 25th so it depends. The French are a more frugal lot (because they were poor crofters not so long ago) than the Americans and consumerism is not as extreme (traditionally at least) A debauchery of lights, presents, parties, etc is also not in the French spirit of measure and less is more. It might change with the younger generations though, I don't know...
Christmas is the churches hijacking of the Solstice celebrations.
Oh I would love to hear about new years in France!
In short, for Americans, Christmas in France is a break from Christmas...
Regular december 25 lunch is 1pm -> 22pm... with a nap inserted.
I'm from the north east part of France, near the swiss border and Alsace. For us Xmas time beginn with the first sunday of Advent even if we're not very religious or not at all, house decoration, time to start the Xmas tree ( my father had one decored outside like a lot of neighbours, only outside deco). On the 6 th of December it's Saint Nicolas, a bishop who give candys, orange, gingerbread or mannala ( brioche in gingerbread man form), before he gived present too. After that you have all the towns Xmas markets ( Montbéliard has a good one with beautiful lights), schools one. Then Xmas eve and day, if extended family is nearby could be one mother side, one father side or one parents +!kids and one the whole family. Each family has his way and it can change each year.
Xmas Eve meal and Xmas day one aren't the same, Eve lighter than day and yes its for hours because we take our time, have pauses between dishes.
New year eve is more friends than family and it's not over because we have on the 6th of January or first sunday of the year the epiphany with the traditional galette that will last all january, in family, with friends, at work, at clubs, town hall ... 😂
For me Xmas celebration will be this year on Xmas Eve as one of my grandkid is going to Xmas day at his father's. We will be all at one off my kids house, plan a buffet style dinner, do broad games and sleep all there. Presents will be during breakfast that could transform in brunch.
We really enjoy theses pure family times with grandkids, aunt and uncles... A pause in our lifes.
Here in California there is so much more traffic and crowds at the stores and people drive faster and are even more rude. I hate even leaving my house.
Your chanel is fun but the background music is very distracting