The table is set for four.
A first. That only the four of us will be having Christmas together. We usually invite family, friends, blogging friends, or people I have met on the streets to our Christmas table. But this year since our family hasn't been altogether for nearly six months it felt like a sweet, tender, inviting Christmas to have just us four.
A different Christmas. A needed Christmas. A holy Christmas. A thankful Christmas.
On foot I went shopping for Christmas dinner (which is served very late tonight) with every other French person in Paris. Buying food ahead of time, before Christmas, must be a crime, at least it feels like it is. Christmas dinner shopping is a highlight I look forward to: Everyone is bundled up, is out with a list in hand, the counters are extra packed, with long lines at the cheese, wine, butcher, baker, florist, pastry shops. In a country where food plays big in their culture and families, Christmas day and New Year's Eve are monumental when it comes to grocery shopping. I love it! It is like buying jewels.
The gum ridden sidewalk look like polka dots today. Christmas puts a pretty spin on daily life. I thought how the gum drops never looked like that before. I smiled and thank Christmas for letting me see things as magical instead of ordinary.
I bought the chestnuts for soup, the Mont d'or, wild mushrooms... and after my arms could hold no more I headed back home to cook.
Christmas decor by Donna O'Brien.
I have such a loving collection of gifts that many of you have sent me.
Friendship treasures.
Chirstmas decorations are like little friends with big memories, I love that!
My handmade Christmas decor.
My attempt to make the table look festive.
Okay back to cooking.
What is on your menu?
