Did you know that the French typically eat turkey (la dinde) at Christmas? It's also tradition to eat fois gras (yuck), as well as smoked salmon (le saumon fumé)...and oysters (les huîtres). I told them that we eat turkey at Thanksgiving, and usually eat ham for Christmas. They were shocked. Apparently it's a "poor person" food to the French and they wouldn't eat it for a special occasion. Interesting.
So, as I may have mentioned before, I've been listening to a lot of Christmas music. Particularly a lot of oldies by Bing, Nat and Frank (the CD is called Christmas Crooners...and it's awesome). It's a great CD because it's a nice mix of fun classics like "Jingle Bells" and "I'll be Home for Christmas," but has a lot of religious classics like "Away in a Manger" and "Silent Night." Something I was a little surprised to notice is that a few of the songs mention both Santa and, shockingly enough, Jesus. I've never really thought of this before. I grew up with Santa Claus. I still get presents from him actually (though his handwriting looks shockingly like my mother's). And I think it's great! When did Santa and Jesus become mutually exclusive? Obviously Jesus is more important than the idea of a jolly fat man in red underwears sneaking into your house at night, but that doesn't mean you have to exclude other aspects of a holiday.
"Santa knows we're all God's children, and that makes everything right.
Fill your hearts with Christmas cheer, cuz Santa Claus comes tonight."
"Peace on Earth will come to all, if we just follow the light.
Let's give thanks to the Lord above, cuz Santa Claus comes tonight."
It's not something that plays any significant part in my life, it's just something fun to do at Christmas time...like giving presents...or doing a crazy White Elephant gift exchange with your family...or drinking mimosas and having delicious buttery pastries for breakfast!
Just something to think about during this delicious Christmas season.
Here's my Christmas tree this year. No floor space, so I had to get creative:
17 days left!
i'll be in maryland the 16th. and so will the twins! we're having a "i'm jobless, broke, and living at home again" party as Amy calls it. yep, that's my latest news. but that's ok, i'm coming to paris!! i also love christmas music, and would gladly give you a copy of my mix, which i think i can say, is the best.
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