French Christmas Eve

Having said my prayers, packed my bags to absolutely include my fresh-baked lemon-lavender madeleines, watched the Christmas episodes of Miranda and Ted Lasso, I was ready for my trip to the French country ... which started early morning Christmas eve.

Gratefully my train left Paris as scheduled and on time. Note to self: travel on days other than Christmas Eve. France does train strikes as part of its Christmas tradition. Every year.

My train safely arrived Angers and Antoine was there, as promised, to meet me. It was so wonderful to see him and feel loving hugs. My Christmas wishes were coming true moment by moment!

We dined upstairs at a bistro that overlooked the center of Angers. It wasn’t terribly cold out, but I did make a video of snow falling! We had Champagne cocktails with a delicious lunch – mine, a warm charcuterie salad. Antoine told me I looked and seemed so French! My Christmas experience just kept getting better.

When we arrived at Le Petite Puy Loup – his parents’ gorgeous home - I couldn’t wait to see my precious little love. Renata came charging at me and from that moment on, she rarely left my side.

It was so wonderful to see Pierre and Marinette, it had been years since we’d last been together. Their beautiful home is so warm and welcoming, I positively adored being back in their company.

With Renata now hermetically sealed to me, She needs a nap, her Mamie told me. Get her to take a nap, were her gentle orders. Renata and I settled up in my guest room, and I hoped we both could take a nap.

Mmm-hmmm, a nap did not happen. Renata and I watched some of our favorite videos from days gone by, we cuddled on the bed and giggled. She let me sing to her, even Baby Mine, which she hadn’t wanted to hear for a long time (before they’d moved to France that fall). I did my best not to cry while I sang its precious lyrics, with her snuggled up as close to me as possible.

Then it was time to doll up and get ready for company. Her cousins Benoit and Gabin arrived with their parents, Celine and Arnaud, who both speak good English. It was so lovely to get to know them. The children stood on the radiator at the window, waiting for Pere Noel, who was rumored to arrive soon and bring them cadeaux (presents).

Pere Noel arrived on time, with a large gift sac for each child. Renata was excited beyond measure to receive a Barbie airplane. I learned that she now had 7 or 8 Barbie dolls, which delighted me beyond measure. I was the one that introduced her to my (vintage) Barbies, before she moved to France. Now her dolls could fly the friendly skies in a bright and shiny hot pink plane ~ how magical!

A glorious dinner of paella, wine, cheese to follow, and dessert was served for grownups in the dining room, and children in the kitchen. Lots of fabulous conversation ensued, including extensive World Cup topics between Antoine, Arnaud, and myself ... I loved it.

Finally, in the very late hours, us big kids followed the little persons’ lead, and went to bed. My room was so warm and comforting, and I felt so very, very loved and cared for.

My already-idyllic French Christmas experience had my heart brimming with overflowing joy, and it had just begun. What was next?

I couldn’t wait to find out.