Tiny Perfect Christmas Moments

Joyeux Noël in our Paris Neighborhood

There’s a lot of flash and glitter on the Champs Elysees and other tony shopping districts in Paris. But what delights me most are the tiny perfect Christmas moments I have found within walking distance of our little apartment near the Place de la Bastille, in a more residential part of the city. I want to share some of them with you:

#1: A decorated pine forest has sprung up overnight in the the Place de la Bastille. A small herd of wooden reindeer lurk amongst the branches. The monument itself is lit up at night with glowing blue lights — a stunning contast with the daytime copper-green:

#2: In a little backstreet not far from Notre Dame, a tiny cafe displays a modest creche. For some reason, next to the Baby Jesus in the manger they have added what looks like a birdbath featuring a statue of Venus. Now, here’s where it gets interesting: notice this ancient Goddess of Fertility is staring down at… a little Easter Egg with bunny ears? Is this a subtle proclamation of a syncretic faith that unites the pagan and Catholic elements of our holidays? Or just a bit of whimsy?