Tag Archives: holidays

Christmas Lights in Calvados, Normandy, France

It’s the first week of January in an icy cold winter and we had a short ramble around Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives on a Friday night after Christmas. It was only 8 PM and we were rather surprised at just how few people were out and about. The streets were practically empty — but that did allow me to get some good photos of the Christmas lights.

Enjoy!

Christmas lights in Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives in the Calvados region of Normandy, France.

Christmas lights in Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives.

Christmas lights on the town hall in Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives.

A cold and wintery night outside the medieval market hall in Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives in the Calvados region of Normandy, France at Christmas time.

The only place in the village that was busy on a Friday night — the kebab shop!

And finally — my favourite image — Mark in silhouette as he walks down a narrow street near the market square.

A man walks down a darkened street in northern France in mid-winter.

Toys for Toddlers in France

These beautifully handcrafted wood and metal cars are just the right size for a toddler to enjoy. And they are displayed attractively right off the main street in Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives.

Lovely little things, eh?

Toddler sized toy cars outside shop in Normandy, France.

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It’s Almost Christmas In France!

There are only 2 and 1/2 days left until Christmas Day and we had a leisurely ramble through our wonderful Saturday market today here in St. Girons. Thank heavens it is a little less crowded than during the manic summer months!

Saturday market shopping in France on the Saturday before Christmas

After buying our vegetables and dried fruit, we strolled through town enjoying all of the Christmas decorations and the happy vibe of the people all around. There was absolutely no sign of frantic last minutes shopping and everyone looked quite relaxed.

Now we’re home, listening to Christmas music on the stereo — and working on a super-secret project. Sorry — no advanced peeks!

Music for the Christmas season

Last Minute Christmas Groceries in France

Having recovered our equilibrium after the fire two days ago, we ventured out today to do some last minute grocery shopping in St. Lo. As we approached the InterMarche, I told Mark that the parking lot was completely full. But we managed to get a spot quite quickly and in we went.

Busy shoppers at supermarket two days before Christmas in St. Lo, Normandy, France

Last minute gift shopping two days before Christmas in St. Lo, Normandy, France

The large store was bustling with purposeful activity as people purchased last minute gifts and groceries. But everyone lined up cheerfully and there was no sense of anxiety or aggravation as everyone waited politely to be served in turn. The wine aisles, meat and seafood counters, and the cheese counters were the busiest areas followed closely behind by the fresh fruit and vegetables. Quietly and competently, the French staff waited on customers, filled orders, found specific gift items, and checked out the purchases.

Last minute food shopping 2 days before Christmas in St. Lo, Normandy, France

As we left the store and drove away into the icy-cold rain and darkness, we both remarked about how calm everyone had been inside the store. It was a marked and charming contrast to the frenzied atmosphere we had felt in Great Britain, Australia, and the USA when we both dreaded it if we ever had to do any last minute shopping. We used to cringe about the fact that people routinely shopped during the week before any holiday as if they were stocking up for an invasion and the stores might never be open again. It was simply mad!

Here’s hoping that all of my readers have a happy and healthy holiday season. Blessings to all of you!