Celebrating Holidays in Paris

My husband Pierre and I try to divide our holidays between Pittsburgh and Paris. This year we are spending them in Paris . We opted to spend Thanksgiving here as well, even though it’s not a holiday. I made stuffed turkey cutlets and a few autumn inspired side dishes that would be found at any given Thanksgiving dinner, since it was just the two of us. It was cozy. Dinner was tasty.
Christmas will be a much bigger deal. My daughter will be here with the granddaughters. This will be their second Christmas in Paris. Everyone involved is excited.
Christmas decorations in Paris run the gamut. There’s no set color or patterns or materials. Christmas trees and garlands are usually bought from the florist with rare exception. The red gold and green color schemes that represent Christmas in the US is a lot more eclectic and involves what ever colors you decide upon. It’s really more about the delicious holiday treats and luxurious dishes . That of course is perfect for me. I love to cook but moreover I love to eat!

My idea for this holiday is to celebrate the traditions of France combined with my best childhood memories and the traditions that my family have created over the years.
I’m excited to drag out our well-used decorations, always adding in something new and to decorate our apartment.
When we are in Pittsburgh it is a much bigger production! We spend more time outdoors in France. The restaurants and terraces are made for year round outdoor life. In Pittsburgh we entertain at home more often. The biggest reason being that we have the space for it. We don’t have that in Paris.
I love the dichotomy of the two cities. Pittsburgh is often referred to as the Paris of Appalachia! That’s so true in many ways. Perhaps that’s what drew me to Paris in the first place… it already felt like home.