CHRISTMAS will surely be fabulous here in France, especially in Paris. After all, Paris is called the City of Lights all year round and this is most pronounced during the Christmas season. Take note though that it’s not just the Christians who have some celebrations this December here in France. That is why of the entire world, the greeting cards proclaim Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas. There is a Jewish community here in France too and for these Jewish folks, Hannukah is celebrated in early December. Hannukah is the Festival of Lights and it commemorates the win of the Maccabees over King Antiochus IV Epiphanes. There is festive celebration in the Jewish community of France where they devour all kinds of kosher menus possible. After all, there is plenty of lamb in the whole of France and lamb here is very yummy.

On the other hand, it is time for the Muslims to celebrate Eid ul-Adha which commemorates the willingness of prophet Abraham to sacrifice his only son borne when his parents are in old age already, Isaac. Again, there is festive merrymaking in the mostly black Muslim community all over France during this period. Halal foods such as shawarma and kebab which are made of beef and…again…lamb is served. Eid-ul-Adha this year is celebrated on December 30.

But for the devout Catholics which is the domineering religion in this country, Christmas started last December 2 with the first Sunday of Advent. On that day, a prominent family in each of the Roman Catholic parishes walks the aisle all the way to the altar to light one candle in the Advent wreath. This practice is replicated four more times before Christmas Day. Then nine days before Christmas, there is a mass each dawn. French devout worshipers find themselves surrounded by food vendors outside the church after Mass selling breakfast. If you are a foreigner and you’re Catholic, you can join in the merrymaking.

Then on Christmas Day itself, it’s a holiday all over France and much rejoicing is in the air. There are elaborate fireworks side by side with the Eiffel Tower and along the River Seine. Romantic couples find themselves dating outside as every structure in Paris is virtually alight – such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Chapel of the Miraculous Medal, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, Champs Elysees and numerous others. There are even organized Christmas tours in these sites so if you hurry booking for a tour after reading this, then you can still catch for some reservations. The same fireworks are replicated in time for New Year celebrations.

It is also done in other cities in France as well such as Toulouse, Nice and anywhere else in between. Try elegant dining in France during this period and try the wine. After all, France has the best wine of the entire world. Then toast each other with your romantic partner for the New Year ahead. If you have a child already, don’t worry that he or she can spoil your honeymoon. Leave your child at the nursery in the hotel.

AS France is in the middle of its school year and all students are in their school campuses, summer has just gone and winter is setting in, temperature in the French mainland tends to drop at this time of the year. It will ultimately settle at the -3 degrees Celsius range by December to January so people must snuggle with layers and layers of clothing. But don’t settle for cottony clothes since this kind of fiber tends to absorb moisture and the moisture will seep into your skin, thus making you even more vulnerable to common flu.

Even during this part of the year, many tourists still roam about in France especially at the so-called City of Nudity, Cap d’Agde. But the tourists will be back in full swing again by December as the predominantly Catholic country celebrates the birth of Christ. Aside from the early dawn masses every morning preceding Christmas, the commercialization of the season has led to such spectacular attractions as the Eiffel Tower being converted into a giant Christmas tree.

But if you opt to be more spiritual and religious, then you have to attend the morning mass and after mass, you can easily walk into the various French eateries across the street and help yourself with such a hearty French breakfast consisting of toast with jam or butter, some croissants and hot cocoa or coffee. Coffee is good to invigorate your morning and head for a jog home after the breakfast for a really fresh start on your day.

Holiday homes here in France tend to be expensive as the demand for it grows so reserve early. If you already know when your vacation will be, then it is advisable to reserve both plane and hotel tickets this early as you can surely have discounts there.

In other updates about France, Orange has recently announced that it will sell iPhones in the country. This is indeed a very welcoming piece since iPhones have been hyped around the world but it is sold only in the United States and Canada. The rest of the world has been drooling to own one and France has just taken a step towards the matter. Orange will sell the phone at 399 euros and with a contract. Other tech-related titles that are hot this week in France are Halo 3, a game distributed exclusively for the Xbox 360.
With those kinds of technological amenities available in France, who needs to go to a vacation elsewhere these holidays? You can surely relax at mountain cabins and just get hold of your iPhone and Xbox 360. Just turn the fireplace or the heater at your own comfort then enjoy the magnificent view of the snow outside.
In the meantime that winter is still around the corner, just go to Paris and you will be intellectually satisfied. The French are said to be the brightest people on the planet and also one of the friendliest. When they share their immense knowledge to you, then your mental cravings will definitely be fulfilled. Just go into the Shakespearean Library in Paris and you know what I mean.