🎄 Thank you for joining me on this heartfelt holiday journey! What’s your favorite way to celebrate Christmas, no matter where you are in the world? I’d love to hear your stories! 🌟 Leave a comment below. 💬
Janice our job as parents is to give our children our blessings and give them wings to fly. Consider yourself a great mother that you have a raised a daughter who is loving and independent. If this man is the right one who makes her happy then your family will grow and blossom and you will reap the rewards. I am so glad you had a great visit with her and her boyfriend.
Janice no matter the distance you truly have a gift of your closeness with your daughter my daughter was miles away and never saw this Christmas. Cannot tell you the pain. Treasure what you have.
Janice, I think the hardest part of being a parent is learning to let go some. I'm 76 and it seems like I'm getting more sensitive and get my feelings hurt more now than ever before. You're lucky you have a daughter because I think it's even more difficult for those of us who have sons! And wait until the grandkids get older & might not want to visit Grandma as often! Course you live across the country, but you might end up changing your mind & heading back home when the grandbabies come! Keep enjoying France ~ you're doing a great job, especially helping others who want to move there and sharing helpful tips. Carry on & here's to 2025!
I can relate to what you said. Grown children and grown grandchildren lead such busy lives these days and they all have cars and the internet which we never had when we were young. Their lives are so full and we can feel left out and forgotten. Sometimes I text and either don’t get an answer at all or felt an answer a week later if I’m lucky. I’ve just accepted it now and try to fill my life with hobbies I can do alone like yoga and meditation. I’m learning calligraphy from u tube and of course watching people like Janice on u tube which lifts me up and gives me a chuckle. It’s nice to know others feel the same way when we get older. Happy New Year ❤
@@Englishroserebeccaoh yes, all true especially now I am a widow. Teenage grandchildren and all living 100 miles away! Having only one son, I am looking for a surrogate daughter who lives nearby😂😂
Oh boy do I hear you...I have sons and grandsons and daughter in laws that are rude and unappreciative...when you have daughters it's different....I basically walked away tired of being hurt by sons I spent my life raising and giving a good life!!!
Hi Janice, I'm impressed that you felt comfortable enough to say how you really feel about your daughter having a boyfriend and you taking a step back in importance. As time goes on, you'll realize that you will ALWAYS be her mom. And no one can take your place. Grandmother here in California enjoying your TH-cam musings.
Your ability to open up and just be real is so refreshing. So often we don’t share our souls and wonder if anyone else feels similarly. Thank you for sharing your feelings with us. We are all struggling with our own battles and issues. Sharing them with others helps us all heal and connect in this crazy and magnificent life we all are living.
Life is about choices, transitions, compromise… Three years ago when you chose to move to France, your daughter, who may have had some hurt feelings at the time, selflessly supported you, and from what I can tell, continues to support you. That’s love. She loves you no matter what, Janice, and I think your saying yes to spending next Christmas with your daughter would be an incredible gift to give her. It wouldn’t necessarily mean having to forgo your annual Christmas party either as you could have it before or after Christmas or on even on Thanksgiving, or whenever. It’s the sentiment behind it that counts.
I appreciate your thoughts on this, but there are some items that I have not come forth with that are happening right now and may be down the line. I will say some more but right now I’m going to keep quiet because it’s a little private. But you may be very right she may have had some hurt feelings about me moving away. I’m not sure because she’s not real good about letting me know how she feels, she’s getting better thank goodness. Thank you for taking the time to write to me.
Thank you for your honesty regarding shift in importance in adult children’s lives. It is supposed to happen, but it is challenging. We do want them to have adult lives. Parenting is difficult, but well worth it. It’s the best role one could ever have!
Happy New Year! You are one of my favorite TH-camrs. Your TH-cam channel is wonderful. Your hospitality during the Christmas holiday is heartwarming. Looking forward to your next video. Cheers!
Thank you. So nice of you to do this for everyone. Yes, it’s hard when you are no longer number one. Having two married son, definitely number one is the wife and children. But now that I’m in Atlanta, I get to see them more often. Love your videos. 🤩
Ms Janice, you are just lovely to listen to and watch. I’m so happy to hear that you had a wonderful Christmas get together with both new and old friends. Wanted to reach out and wish you a wonderful and blessed New Year May our Heavenly Father continue to bless you with positivity and happiness.
Isn’t the technology in the world we live in amazing? That we can connect so easily with people all over the world? I think that is fascinating that some of the guests at your party were fellow TH-camrs!
Hi Janice. Happy New Year my friend. Sounds like your party was enjoyed by all. I'm happy that even your little dog had friends over too. You look so happy and rested . I have to say that since you have been in France , you have just blossomed. Always enjoy all of your vlogs. And I hope that you learn French easily. Have a nice week. bless you!
Thank you Janice. What a wonderful event at your home! Fun to see you & An on YT together :) Also, I know it's hard to say goodbye to your daughter but luckily you two talk all the time. Best wishes for great New Year!
Hello from Italy just finished my live podcast and then watched this. Thanks for the mention of my channel. Janice I did not find the link to the interview I did with you in the description box as you dai you would link it. Im sure people will be looking for it. Good luck with your lessons.
I think the blond lady didn’t quite grasp how we celebrate Christmas in France! 😂 Here, Christmas is very much a family affair. It’s about spending time at home with loved ones, enjoying delicious food, playing board games, watching films, and opening presents in a cozy, relaxed atmosphere. In contrast, New Year’s Eve is more about friends, festive noise, and big celebrations. Regarding decorations, it really depends on where you are. In the past, towns in France used to be far more elaborately decorated for the holidays. Unfortunately, this has become more subdued in recent years, particularly in cities run by left-leaning or Green Party mayors. However, inside our homes, French families usually make a real effort. Most homes are beautifully decorated, though we often prefer a subtle, chic aesthetic-lots of white lights and shiny accents, but not an explosion of colors everywhere. As for the white lights in the apartment next door, Janice, I’m sure they’re Christmas lights. It’s just our way of keeping things understated yet elegant. 😉 Now the tree part: In France, Christmas trees are often less thick and full compared to the ones commonly seen in America, and there are a few reasons for this: 1. Tree Variety In France, the most popular Christmas tree species are Nordmann fir and spruce, which naturally have a more open and less dense appearance. These trees are valued for their elegance and their ability to hold ornaments without looking overcrowded. In the U.S., Douglas firs and Fraser firs dominate, and they grow with much fuller foliage, giving that lush, dense look Americans are used to. 2. Aesthetic Preferences French Christmas decor often reflects the national love for subtlety and refinement. A thinner tree allows the decorations-like white lights, delicate ornaments, and garlands-to stand out more elegantly, aligning with the French preference for a chic, understated look. By contrast, American holiday decor tends to embrace boldness and abundance. A fuller tree complements the bright, colorful, and heavily adorned style often seen in U.S. homes. 3. Living Spaces French homes, especially apartments in cities, are typically smaller than the spacious suburban houses often found in the U.S. A slimmer tree is more practical and fits more comfortably without overwhelming the space. American homes frequently have larger living rooms, making a fuller, taller tree a natural centerpiece for the home’s festive decor. 4. Cultural Influence In France, the Christmas tree is an important part of the holiday atmosphere but not necessarily the star of the show. The focus is more on the overall ambiance, including food, family, and quality time. In the U.S., the Christmas tree often takes center stage in the holiday experience, with a big, dramatic tree being a cherished tradition in many households. 5. Sustainability and Practicality Many French families opt for locally grown or sustainably sourced trees. These may be slightly less “perfect” in appearance compared to the commercial trees in the U.S., but they align with French values of eco-consciousness and practicality. I hope this helps any Americans new to France get over the culture shock of a French Christmas! It may be different from the bright, extravagant celebrations in the U.S., but the understated beauty and family focus of a French Noël have their own charm and magic. 🎄
Thank you for providing a beautiful explanation French Christmas celebrations, I personally love the simple, subtle beauty of the family (or friends, if spending alone) meal and quality time. A understated tree with white lights, delicate decorations and or just garland or ribbon. It is magical. ✨
I'm very glad you had a nice Christmas holiday & your party went off well. I think the older we get the harder it is to not be a priority in adult children's lives. For me it went from a very full house for holiday dinners to less as I lost my elders, even less when my kids got married. We were more like I called "drive by pie" for holidays as they were with their spouse's families. Some years it wasn't much of that so I quit doing anything except for my husband & I. After my husband died I moved to a new state where I was the family guest, some years I had 4 places to be! That passed too. Now my son here & his family come by for holidays but not necessarily ON the holiday or for dinners, just presents & a visit which I am happy for. I miss the old days of big parties & my kids being there for me & all their plus one's, then spouses & kids when it was our turn to have them. Until they made the new family a priority & we were expected to understand. It hurt for sure. I miss all the people who have passed on. I am not sorry I moved away, I am truly happy here! I also remarried & feel blessed we are both still alive , my plans are always based more on what we want to do, & seeing my son's family when we see them. It's all OK now but it was tough getting used to the way things went having to share my kids and my moving away once they all had their own busy lives. It's good to make new traditions for sure, that let's us enjoy the holidays as much as we can.
Oh my goodness thank you so much for sharing your story with me. It made so much sense. I’m so glad you’re happy and I’m so glad you’re living life that you want to live,
Lovely Christmas gathering . Love your glasses and your sweater . May your new year be healthy , happy and prosperous . Lots of love to Max and kitty 🐶😻💕U r the best . ❤
Everything looks beautiful, Janice! I’m glad so many new and old friends visited you on Christmas! I’m sad that the timing didn’t work out for us to meet at Le Train Bleu, but I will let you know if we make it back to France in the near future. We plan to retire there in 17 years or so. I’m working on learning French as well. 😊 Bonne annee!
Janice I am sorry you weren’t able to spend more one on one time with your gorgeous daughter. Am I able to travel from Australia to Paris to attend your Christmas party :) - love your Channel x
Piece de la resistance is pronounced like “pee-ESS duh lah RAY-ZEE-stahns” and the French love their vowels and vowel sounds so make them the main character of your spoken sentences. Just a little language learning from a fellow American who studied French at the Institut de Touraine. Enjoying your videos! Bonne annee! 🎉 😂 ❤
Janice, I watched and enjoyed all of your videos so far, but I am not sure if I ever commented on any of them. My mom is your age and I wish she were more like you. She would never do many of the things that you do or have done. I feel like I might be your daughter instead 😂. Thank you for the kindness that you share, for all the good info about life in France, and for believing in fulfilling life and never giving up. By the way, I enjoyed your video with the French fashion lady and I also am trying to find an elegant and affordable style for myself. I think it is smart to give up on certain habits, such as Netflix ( waist of time and money). I am sure that it’s not easy for you to deal with the changes in your daughter’s life, but being sad about it doesn’t help either. You are doing a great job with your own life. Nobody lives forever, so let’s enjoy it as much as we can. Cheers 🎉🌺
Oh my goodness thank you Sunny for such wonderful words you gave me. You’re so very kind. Well, we’ll just have to hang out in France and I’ll just adopt you also.
@ Gladly 😁 I was in Paris in September of 2023, to visit my younger brother who lives there. If I knew about you then, I would have reached out. Next time I come to the region ( hopefully sooner than later) I would love to meet you and treat you a lunch or something like that. ❤️
I’m sorry if someone has already asked you, but what color is the paint you have used that is behind you and also in your dining room? It is really lovely! Love your channel!
I heard from another vlog in France that they don’t do Christmas big there . If you think of it a lot of Christmas traditions are German / Dutch etc ..
It’s harder for mothers. Each time my children visit us I always hope they’d like to make a move & spend more time for a few months every year but I know that it ain’t going to happen. I also dream that what if they buy a place here but that is also a pipe dream.
Janice, glad you continue to be well. One suggestion: the audio in your videos needs improving. Please consider wearing a wireless microphone, as even in your apartment, there is an echo and you sound as though you are in the bottom of a barrel. ;-)
Christmas time is quiet in Paris...fewer tourists but also French people spend all of their time with family and often leave town to visit grandparents and parents. No French people do not decorate like Americans ....it is all about the food !
Dear Janice you are so charming and i enjoy your videos and perspective so much. I wanted to share a different lens with you that i hope helps and also encourages you to enjoy these experiences in a new way. I wanted to keep my mom number one so much i didn’t allow relationships to develop to interfere with loving her. I own a company and she also worked with me and i loved every minute Then she suddenly became an angel I cannot describe my feelings of loss But i did find someone since then My mom is watching from heaven but how i wish she was here To meet him, plan a wedding and just feel the growth in my life You will always always be number one to your daughter i can assure you But your love is giving her the fullness of life that you and your husband also shared And she is also learning from you to reinvent yourself and stick to your party next year and all your independent adventures. Her life will be magical because of your love and your continued example of living and loving fully ❤ Maybe in 2025 we can be fortunate enough to meet and give you hugs and appreciation for being such an awesome woman and mom 🎉
Oh my goodness how absolutely wonderful that you took your time to write to me. These words will live with me. Thank you so very much for your kindness.
@ it’s you who are kind and so generous to share your courage to build a new life in a totally different country - keeping your dreams alive and your spirit vibrant. Your openness about your challenges and your optimism as you keep moving forward are inspiring. You are remarkable and we are all happy to see your story continue to evolve ❤️ May 2025 be filled with blessings and happy surprises. We continue to watch in wonderment 🤩
Janice, At least you are self aware knowing that it is selfish of you to want to be always be #1 in your daughter's life. You cannot be your daughter's husband, lover, or confidante. Because if so, when you are gone, who is your daughter left with? Let Jennifer fly, let her love life, and still be your life, let her find the love of her life, let her make mistakes. I feel that the best we can do for our daughters is to let her know that you will always be there to be number 2, or 3, or 4, or however. . .but for you, you will be responsible for your own happiness, find your own happiness, but she will always have a special, special, special place in your heart! And paradoxically, when we truly let our kids go, they want to fly back : )
Absolutely I think it’s just a little tougher since I’ve had her alone since her dad died 13 years ago but like you said, I am aware I’m being selfish and I am trying not to be thank you so much for your kind and wise words.
I am learning french (not in france). Two hours is a lot. One hour twice a week is enough. Its a very difficult language. I suggest learning by heart some key sentences. Getting into the nitty gritty of french grammer is very disheartening. The amount of past tenses they have is absurd for an english speaker. And thats even before you learn "subjunctive" which is just another crazy other tense.
🎄 Thank you for joining me on this heartfelt holiday journey!
What’s your favorite way to celebrate Christmas, no matter where you are in the world? I’d love to hear your stories! 🌟
Leave a comment below. 💬
Bonjour! Where can I find the link for AMANDA? Merci!
@ are you talking about the one that lives in Italy?
@ TH-cam is called relocate to Italy
@@JaniceInFrance Yes, the one who attended your Christmas dinner. I just watched your video.
@@mikenickzoe I just answered you relocate to Italy is her TH-cam. She usually goes live on Sunday nights.
How wonderful that you have created a community in France! It’s not easy to start over, but you’ve done an amazing job of it.
Thank you so very much. I just believe it takes a lot of determination.
Janice our job as parents is to give our children our blessings and give them wings to fly. Consider yourself a great mother that you have a raised a daughter who is loving and independent. If this man is the right one who makes her happy then your family will grow and blossom and you will reap the rewards. I am so glad you had a great visit with her and her boyfriend.
I agree with you, wholeheartedly and thank you so much
Janice no matter the distance you truly have a gift of your closeness with your daughter my daughter was miles away and never saw this Christmas. Cannot tell you the pain. Treasure what you have.
Thank you so much
Janice, I think the hardest part of being a parent is learning to let go some. I'm 76 and it seems like I'm getting more sensitive and get my feelings hurt more now than ever before. You're lucky you have a daughter because I think it's even more difficult for those of us who have sons! And wait until the grandkids get older & might not want to visit Grandma as often! Course you live across the country, but you might end up changing your mind & heading back home when the grandbabies come! Keep enjoying France ~ you're doing a great job, especially helping others who want to move there and sharing helpful tips. Carry on & here's to 2025!
I can relate to what you said. Grown children and grown grandchildren lead such busy lives these days and they all have cars and the internet which we never had when we were young. Their lives are so full and we can feel left out and forgotten. Sometimes I text and either don’t get an answer at all or felt an answer a week later if I’m lucky. I’ve just accepted it now and try to fill my life with hobbies I can do alone like yoga and meditation. I’m learning calligraphy from u tube and of course watching people like Janice on u tube which lifts me up and gives me a chuckle. It’s nice to know others feel the same way when we get older. Happy New Year ❤
Thank you so much for your kind words and yes, you never know what might happen
@@Englishroserebecca well you certainly made my day. Thank you so much for your very very kind words and for taking the time to comment.
@@Englishroserebeccaoh yes, all true especially now I am a widow. Teenage grandchildren and all living 100 miles away! Having only one son, I am looking for a surrogate daughter who lives nearby😂😂
Oh boy do I hear you...I have sons and grandsons and daughter in laws that are rude and unappreciative...when you have daughters it's different....I basically walked away tired of being hurt by sons I spent my life raising and giving a good life!!!
It does take a long time to get over this. I don't know if it ever gets better. I understand!!!😢
Thank you ♥️
Hi Janice, I'm impressed that you felt comfortable enough to say how you really feel about your daughter having a boyfriend and you taking a step back in importance. As time goes on, you'll realize that you will ALWAYS be her mom. And no one can take your place. Grandmother here in California enjoying your TH-cam musings.
Oh goodness, it’s nice to hear from you. Thank you for your kind words.
Your ability to open up and just be real is so refreshing. So often we don’t share our souls and wonder if anyone else feels similarly. Thank you for sharing your feelings with us. We are all struggling with our own battles and issues. Sharing them with others helps us all heal and connect in this crazy and magnificent life we all are living.
Thank you so much for your kind words and not only that thank you so much for taking the time to comment. I appreciate you sharing with me.
Vienna before Christmas is highly recommended. We went this year and it was great.
Thank you I appreciate it
What a nice gesture glasses as a gift!
Absolutely
Life is about choices, transitions, compromise… Three years ago when you chose to move to France, your daughter, who may have had some hurt feelings at the time, selflessly supported you, and from what I can tell, continues to support you. That’s love. She loves you no matter what, Janice, and I think your saying yes to spending next Christmas with your daughter would be an incredible gift to give her. It wouldn’t necessarily mean having to forgo your annual Christmas party either as you could have it before or after Christmas or on even on Thanksgiving, or whenever. It’s the sentiment behind it that counts.
I appreciate your thoughts on this, but there are some items that I have not come forth with that are happening right now and may be down the line. I will say some more but right now I’m going to keep quiet because it’s a little private. But you may be very right she may have had some hurt feelings about me moving away. I’m not sure because she’s not real good about letting me know how she feels, she’s getting better thank goodness. Thank you for taking the time to write to me.
@@JaniceInFrance Take good care, Janice. All the best.
@ thank you
Thank you for your honesty regarding shift in importance in adult children’s lives. It is supposed to happen, but it is challenging. We do want them to have adult lives. Parenting is difficult, but well worth it. It’s the best role one could ever have!
I couldn’t agree with you more. It’s the best job I ever had.
Happy New Year! You are one of my favorite TH-camrs. Your TH-cam channel is wonderful. Your hospitality during the Christmas holiday is heartwarming. Looking forward to your next video. Cheers!
Wow, thank you! Not only just thank you, but those are great kind words to say and I do appreciate it
I'm so glad you have found a community of friends in France. I wish you the best 2025!
Thank you! You too!
Happy New Year! Thank you for sharing your holiday party with us!❤
Thank you I wish you could’ve been here Kathy
Wonderful party and video, My favorite time in Paris is January ! Great sales and few tourists!!
The best!
The glasses look great
I have to admit out of all the glasses that I’ve had. I love this pair the best thank you so much for your kind words. I appreciate it.
Thank you. So nice of you to do this for everyone. Yes, it’s hard when you are no longer number one. Having two married son, definitely number one is the wife and children. But now that I’m in Atlanta, I get to see them more often. Love your videos. 🤩
Thank you so much for your kind words
Ms Janice, you are just lovely to listen to and watch. I’m so happy to hear that you had a wonderful Christmas get together with both new and old friends.
Wanted to reach out and wish you a wonderful and blessed New Year
May our Heavenly Father continue to bless you with positivity and happiness.
Thank you so much!
Love your glasses!
Thank you!!
Isn’t the technology in the world we live in amazing? That we can connect so easily with people all over the world? I think that is fascinating that some of the guests at your party were fellow TH-camrs!
I agree and yes, I think we need to stick together
Ms Janice, that's the Southern charm. You can leave the South but the South didn't leave you!
True
Hi Janice. Happy New Year my friend. Sounds like your party was enjoyed by all. I'm happy that even your little dog had friends over too. You look so happy and rested . I have to say that since you have been in France , you have just blossomed. Always enjoy all of your vlogs. And I hope that you learn French easily. Have a nice week. bless you!
Thank you! You too!
Thank you Janice. What a wonderful event at your home! Fun to see you & An on YT together :) Also, I know it's hard to say goodbye to your daughter but luckily you two talk all the time. Best wishes for great New Year!
Oh thank you! Yes, I want to do more with Anne because I think we too could get up to some great trouble
Happy New year janice, we love our out door lights here in the uk,, it's cheery and festive, I wish you all the best for this coming year, ❤
Happy new year!
Hello from Italy just finished my live podcast and then watched this. Thanks for the mention of my channel. Janice I did not find the link to the interview I did with you in the description box as you dai you would link it. Im sure people will be looking for it.
Good luck with your lessons.
You are so welcome!
I think the blond lady didn’t quite grasp how we celebrate Christmas in France! 😂 Here, Christmas is very much a family affair. It’s about spending time at home with loved ones, enjoying delicious food, playing board games, watching films, and opening presents in a cozy, relaxed atmosphere. In contrast, New Year’s Eve is more about friends, festive noise, and big celebrations.
Regarding decorations, it really depends on where you are. In the past, towns in France used to be far more elaborately decorated for the holidays. Unfortunately, this has become more subdued in recent years, particularly in cities run by left-leaning or Green Party mayors. However, inside our homes, French families usually make a real effort. Most homes are beautifully decorated, though we often prefer a subtle, chic aesthetic-lots of white lights and shiny accents, but not an explosion of colors everywhere.
As for the white lights in the apartment next door, Janice, I’m sure they’re Christmas lights. It’s just our way of keeping things understated yet elegant. 😉
Now the tree part:
In France, Christmas trees are often less thick and full compared to the ones commonly seen in America, and there are a few reasons for this:
1. Tree Variety
In France, the most popular Christmas tree species are Nordmann fir and spruce, which naturally have a more open and less dense appearance. These trees are valued for their elegance and their ability to hold ornaments without looking overcrowded.
In the U.S., Douglas firs and Fraser firs dominate, and they grow with much fuller foliage, giving that lush, dense look Americans are used to.
2. Aesthetic Preferences
French Christmas decor often reflects the national love for subtlety and refinement. A thinner tree allows the decorations-like white lights, delicate ornaments, and garlands-to stand out more elegantly, aligning with the French preference for a chic, understated look.
By contrast, American holiday decor tends to embrace boldness and abundance. A fuller tree complements the bright, colorful, and heavily adorned style often seen in U.S. homes.
3. Living Spaces
French homes, especially apartments in cities, are typically smaller than the spacious suburban houses often found in the U.S. A slimmer tree is more practical and fits more comfortably without overwhelming the space.
American homes frequently have larger living rooms, making a fuller, taller tree a natural centerpiece for the home’s festive decor.
4. Cultural Influence
In France, the Christmas tree is an important part of the holiday atmosphere but not necessarily the star of the show. The focus is more on the overall ambiance, including food, family, and quality time.
In the U.S., the Christmas tree often takes center stage in the holiday experience, with a big, dramatic tree being a cherished tradition in many households.
5. Sustainability and Practicality
Many French families opt for locally grown or sustainably sourced trees. These may be slightly less “perfect” in appearance compared to the commercial trees in the U.S., but they align with French values of eco-consciousness and practicality.
I hope this helps any Americans new to France get over the culture shock of a French Christmas! It may be different from the bright, extravagant celebrations in the U.S., but the understated beauty and family focus of a French Noël have their own charm and magic. 🎄
Thank you for providing a beautiful explanation French Christmas celebrations, I personally love the simple, subtle beauty of the family (or friends, if spending alone) meal and quality time. A understated tree with white lights, delicate decorations and or just garland or ribbon. It is magical. ✨
Well, this is awesome. Thank you so much for for taking the time to do this for me. I hope many people read your comment.
@ me too
I'm very glad you had a nice Christmas holiday & your party went off well. I think the older we get the harder it is to not be a priority in adult children's lives. For me it went from a very full house for holiday dinners to less as I lost my elders, even less when my kids got married. We were more like I called "drive by pie" for holidays as they were with their spouse's families. Some years it wasn't much of that so I quit doing anything except for my husband & I. After my husband died I moved to a new state where I was the family guest, some years I had 4 places to be! That passed too. Now my son here & his family come by for holidays but not necessarily ON the holiday or for dinners, just presents & a visit which I am happy for. I miss the old days of big parties & my kids being there for me & all their plus one's, then spouses & kids when it was our turn to have them. Until they made the new family a priority & we were expected to understand. It hurt for sure. I miss all the people who have passed on. I am not sorry I moved away, I am truly happy here! I also remarried & feel blessed we are both still alive , my plans are always based more on what we want to do, & seeing my son's family when we see them. It's all OK now but it was tough getting used to the way things went having to share my kids and my moving away once they all had their own busy lives. It's good to make new traditions for sure, that let's us enjoy the holidays as much as we can.
Oh my goodness thank you so much for sharing your story with me. It made so much sense. I’m so glad you’re happy and I’m so glad you’re living life that you want to live,
Lovely Christmas gathering . Love your glasses and your sweater . May your new year be healthy , happy and prosperous . Lots of love to Max and kitty 🐶😻💕U r the best . ❤
Thank you for taking the time to ride and I wish you the same in 2025
I enjoy your channel so much. I have been watching for about 6 months. I am enjoying life more since watching your videos. Thank you, Janice.
Well, that’s a very kind thing to say that you’re enjoying life after watching my videos. I have to say you have made my evening.
I love this! I’m a mom who has had to adjust to our son’s fiancée. It’s all good! You’ll have a new person to look very.
Thank you
Mother and daughter relationships - so sweet. I heard a saying once. Have a son - lose to a wife… have a daughter friend for life.
Everything looks beautiful, Janice! I’m glad so many new and old friends visited you on Christmas! I’m sad that the timing didn’t work out for us to meet at Le Train Bleu, but I will let you know if we make it back to France in the near future. We plan to retire there in 17 years or so. I’m working on learning French as well. 😊 Bonne annee!
Good for you!
Happy New Year Janice .. Have been following your channel. Love the Christmas gathering
Happy new year! Thank you for following my channel. I appreciate it.
Janice, keeping it real ❤.
Thank you
❤
Hi, Janice, Happy New Year. 🎉🎉🎉
Happy new year to you too, Judy
Delightful video today. So newsy and you look so happy. You spread some joy to others with your Christmas Day party and sharing your home.
Thank you
Thank you so much!
❤❤❤❤❤
Love your sweater on you
Thank you
Happy New Year Janice 💫🌠🥂
Happy new year!! Thank you for taking the time to write to me
Janice I am sorry you weren’t able to spend more one on one time with your gorgeous daughter. Am I able to travel from Australia to Paris to attend your Christmas party :) - love your Channel x
Thank you so much you’re very kind
Piece de la resistance is pronounced like “pee-ESS duh lah RAY-ZEE-stahns” and the French love their vowels and vowel sounds so make them the main character of your spoken sentences. Just a little language learning from a fellow American who studied French at the Institut de Touraine. Enjoying your videos! Bonne annee! 🎉 😂 ❤
Thank you so very much and I never never mind anyone trying to help me with with my French. I do appreciate it.
Janice, I watched and enjoyed all of your videos so far, but I am not sure if I ever commented on any of them. My mom is your age and I wish she were more like you. She would never do many of the things that you do or have done. I feel like I might be your daughter instead 😂.
Thank you for the kindness that you share, for all the good info about life in France, and for believing in fulfilling life and never giving up.
By the way, I enjoyed your video with the French fashion lady and I also am trying to find an elegant and affordable style for myself. I think it is smart to give up on certain habits, such as Netflix ( waist of time and money).
I am sure that it’s not easy for you to deal with the changes in your daughter’s life, but being sad about it doesn’t help either. You are doing a great job with your own life. Nobody lives forever, so let’s enjoy it as much as we can.
Cheers 🎉🌺
Oh my goodness thank you Sunny for such wonderful words you gave me. You’re so very kind. Well, we’ll just have to hang out in France and I’ll just adopt you also.
@ Gladly 😁 I was in Paris in September of 2023, to visit my younger brother who lives there. If I knew about you then, I would have reached out. Next time I come to the region ( hopefully sooner than later) I would love to meet you and treat you a lunch or something like that. ❤️
I’m sorry if someone has already asked you, but what color is the paint you have used that is behind you and also in your dining room? It is really lovely! Love your channel!
Thank you I will have to look it up if you will do me a favor and email me atJaniceinfrance@gmail.com I will look it up and get back to you.
Janice you better get over your sadness at her happiness. She will always love you but needs her own life🎉
I understand.
I heard from another vlog in France that they don’t do Christmas big there . If you think of it a lot of Christmas traditions are German / Dutch etc ..
True
It’s harder for mothers. Each time my children visit us I always hope they’d like to make a move & spend more time for a few months every year but I know that it ain’t going to happen. I also dream that what if they buy a place here but that is also a pipe dream.
Yes, I’m sure it is. This is why we have to decide what is best for us. This is the exact reason I started this TH-cam channel.
What is the “boyfirend’s name”? I don’t think you mentioned it. The Christmas gathering looked like a fun afternoon.
I did not mention his name because I am being private, and he would prefer me to be private
@ That is understandable. I just thought it was an oversight! Happy New Year to you Janice.
Janice, glad you continue to be well. One suggestion: the audio in your videos needs improving. Please consider wearing a wireless microphone, as even in your apartment, there is an echo and you sound as though you are in the bottom of a barrel. ;-)
I agree with you and that’s next to my list
Christmas time is quiet in Paris...fewer tourists but also French people spend all of their time with family and often leave town to visit grandparents and parents. No French people do not decorate like Americans ....it is all about the food !
Yes and it’s awesome
Dear Janice you are so charming and i enjoy your videos and perspective so much. I wanted to share a different lens with you that i hope helps and also encourages you to enjoy these experiences in a new way.
I wanted to keep my mom number one so much i didn’t allow relationships to develop to interfere with loving her.
I own a company and she also worked with me and i loved every minute
Then she suddenly became an angel
I cannot describe my feelings of loss
But i did find someone since then
My mom is watching from heaven but how i wish she was here
To meet him, plan a wedding and just feel the growth in my life
You will always always be number one to your daughter i can assure you
But your love is giving her the fullness of life that you and your husband also shared
And she is also learning from you to reinvent yourself and stick to your party next year and all your independent adventures. Her life will be magical because of your love and your continued example of living and loving fully ❤
Maybe in 2025 we can be fortunate enough to meet and give you hugs and appreciation for being such an awesome woman and mom 🎉
Oh my goodness how absolutely wonderful that you took your time to write to me. These words will live with me. Thank you so very much for your kindness.
@ it’s you who are kind and so generous to share your courage to build a new life in a totally different country - keeping your dreams alive and your spirit vibrant. Your openness about your challenges and your optimism as you keep moving forward are inspiring. You are remarkable and we are all happy to see your story continue to evolve ❤️
May 2025 be filled with blessings and happy surprises. We continue to watch in wonderment 🤩
Which one is the boyfriend?
He was in the video but due to privacy I don’t use his name.
Janice, At least you are self aware knowing that it is selfish of you to want to be always be #1 in your daughter's life. You cannot be your daughter's husband, lover, or confidante. Because if so, when you are gone, who is your daughter left with? Let Jennifer fly, let her love life, and still be your life, let her find the love of her life, let her make mistakes. I feel that the best we can do for our daughters is to let her know that you will always be there to be number 2, or 3, or 4, or however. . .but for you, you will be responsible for your own happiness, find your own happiness, but she will always have a special, special, special place in your heart! And paradoxically, when we truly let our kids go, they want to fly back : )
Absolutely I think it’s just a little tougher since I’ve had her alone since her dad died 13 years ago but like you said, I am aware I’m being selfish and I am trying not to be thank you so much for your kind and wise words.
You don't have to be #1 to have a special relationship. No one else will ever be her mom.
True
I am learning french (not in france). Two hours is a lot. One hour twice a week is enough. Its a very difficult language. I suggest learning by heart some key sentences. Getting into the nitty gritty of french grammer is very disheartening. The amount of past tenses they have is absurd for an english speaker. And thats even before you learn "subjunctive" which is just another crazy other tense.
Well, I’ve tried other ways. I’m going to take it and do it this way and see how it works.
❤❤❤