Christmas Eve

I was scheduled to work today, but after a few very brief tasks this morning, it seems that there is nothing else required of me today, and so I find myself with an unexpected day off.... on Christmas Eve!

Christmas Cathedral

The past four weeks my schedule has been fairly non-stop, unpredictable and a bit chaotic, and I have frequently lamented the lack of "down time". Ironically, I now find myself with a free day, and I don't know what to do with my time.  My mind and body have adjusted to survival mode so well that it is going to take me a while to unwind, breathe deeply, and make friends with myself once again - to remember that I am a quiet, simple-pleasures kind of girl.


A bit of holly for the holiday



Just an awesome window I happened upon

I wonder, apart from the spiritual aspects of the holiday, how do I celebrate Christmas when I have none of the usual things or people to celebrate with? Don't worry, I won't be alone for Christmas, and I'm not sad,  just taking some time to reflect on what makes Christmas for me.....  I've been listening to Christmas music for a few weeks now (thanks Rob for the awesome folksy Christmas playlists). I've put up Christmas decorations all around the château, baked Christmas cupcakes, experienced the Christmas market on the Champs Elysees, had a wonderful Christmas lunch with my coworkers, and yet it still doesn't feel like Christmas.  You see, my list of things have all been done for other people, not things I've chosen to do (other than the Christmas music), but things that have been required of me. This doesn't make them bad - in fact - I've enjoyed all of it, but it hasn't filled my Christmas tank.  But that's about to change! This afternoon I am planning to spend some time in the kitchen (by myself) making some Christmas cookies, and then I am going to spend the evening with a new friend and her family. There will be a gift exchange, good food and drinks, and plenty of laughter, which will make for a delightful evening. Tomorrow I am looking forward to some more alone time in the kitchen baking a pie, and being with some more new friends.  I'm reminded once again, it's the simple things for me - baking and friends, being still, breathing deeply (laughter is always good for this), and being present in the moment.

Christmas market

A Walk Down the Champs Elysees

My first walk down the Champs Elysees was cold and wet, and yet still quite magical. On the metro there are often street musicians who hop into a car and entertain everyone.  If you notice, there's a large speaker, typically with an iPod attached.... so even when they stop playing and walk around to collect money, the music still plays!

Live entertainment on the metro

My first time to see the Arc

I've always been intrigued by this monument

The Champs Elysees

I LOVE Christmas lights!

Stacks and stacks and stacks of chocolate

A distant glimpse of the tour de Eiffel through the fog



The end of a delightful evening

It was a wonderful night to explore the Christmas market while sipping vin chaud (hot spiced wine) and taking in all of the lights, sounds and smells of the city.