Since we were spending Christmas with my husband's family, I wanted to know how his sister handles gifts from Pére Noël (Father Christmas aka Santa Claus). I hope to do the same for Juliana as my parents did for me - I have such wonderful memories of growing up believing in Santa. I picture baking cookies on Christmas Eve with the kids and leaving them on the fireplace with … [Read more...]
Another Reason to Love Baguettes
Good children in France eat three meals a day and have one gôuter (snack). If you feed your child outside of those times, you will probably get some stares or advice from others around you. Last week I had a doctor appointment in the early morning and was running late, so Juliana didn't get a chance to finish her breakfast. We took the rest with us and when she started getting … [Read more...]
No Prom or Homecoming Dances for French Teenagers
When I was pregnant with my daughter, I told my husband that I couldn't wait for Juliana to go to prom one day. I imagined how much fun it would be to pick out dresses, get her hair done, and meet her nervous date. He broke my heart when he said that proms do not exist in France. Actually, schools do not host any formal dances! My middle school had a dance every month and it … [Read more...]
Remember When French Children Were Saints?
An old not-so-cherished tradition in France was naming children after saints on the Roman Catholic calendar. Calenders were often (and still to this day) printed with a saint for each day of the year. Until 1966, parents could only name their children one of those names. This is why you see so many people in history named Jacques, Jean, Michel, Pierre, Jean-Baptiste, Marie, … [Read more...]
A French Song for Mothers – Happy Mother’s Day
Today is mother's day in France. So what am I doing on my first mother's day? Working, of course! But I have a good bottle of Bordeaux waiting for me for when Juliana turns in for the night. Nothing like unwinding with a glass of wine and a classic black and white movie. There is a French song that is especially appropriate for today - Avant Qu'Elle Part (Before She Leaves) … [Read more...]