Christmas in France

Hello my favorite readers!!!  I know that Christmas is over, but bear with me...

I’ve been to France many times, but this year is the first time that I have witnessed the holiday season.  And let me tell you, the French are OBSESSED with Christmas!!  Before it was even Thanksgiving, I was hearing about all of the Christmas markets that I would have the opportunity to attend.  I had never even heard of a Christmas market and all of a sudden they were to be popping up everywhere: in the main square downtown, the three neighboring towns (including where I work), even a mini Christmas market on my street!

I was also surprised that Christmas was discussed so openly in schools.  French schools pride themselves on being secular, and while religion is allowed to be taught in a historical context, no personal opinions may be discussed.  You also may have heard that the French have banned headscarves, and all other religious insignia (kippot, crosses, jewelry, etc) from all public institutions.  (But notably headscarves, because as mentioned before, there is a lot of racism in France). 

I have seen my school’s proviseur, or principal, twice.  Once was the day that I met him, and the other time was when I saw him and his entire staff setting up a large (15 foot) Christmas tree in the entrance hall to the school.  What happened to secularism?!  When I asked my students about it, they told me that Christmas isn’t considered a religious holiday and thus can be discussed and celebrated openly in schools.  Hmmm…

Not only are the schools decorated, the streets are decorated too.  If there is no Christmas market, one can count on walking past a light display that says “Happy Holidays in (Neighborhood)!”  Stores paint their windows with messages of “Happy Holidays!”, and pictures of snowflakes and Santa Claus.  It’s funny that leaving America and coming to France really convinced me that Christmas is a secular, Hallmark holiday. 

Anyway, that’s all for now, folks.  Thank you, as ever for reading!

City-sponsored holiday decorations on my street

At a Christmas market

One of the market booths on my street - notice the trees covered in fake snow!  It's in the 50s in Toulon so we don't have a hope for real snow.... Also, those trees are nailed into the ground, so don't get any ideas about trying to "borrow" one...

Happy new year!

xoxo

Lurrrve,

Samantha