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.