Christmas in Paris 2020
The challenging year of 2020 is finally coming to an end.
Christmas decorations are appearing in the streets of Paris.
This year, French people experienced two restrictions on going out.
For a total of four and a half months,
I was forced to carry my permit with me every time I went out.
Upholding the ideals of freedom, equality and fraternity on a daily basis,
A rebellious Frenchman,
deprived of freedom of movement
The situation that has been quiet for more than 4 months,
"The truth is that the French, as they say,
I'm not looking for freedom
There was also an intellectual who analyzed it.
"The reason why I kept the curfew was for freedom, equality, fraternity, fraternity.
What did you do to protect everyone else?"
This is my eldest daughter's dialect.
I agree with her opinion.
For when the French are united,
Because it really becomes one.
The figure after the Charlie Hebdo attack incident
I've seen it first-hand at demonstrations such as the "March of the Republic" demonstrations.
I feel that no other nation can match their strength of friendship and solidarity.
Although the preamble has become longer, in 2020 after passing the ordeal,
You can see the Christmas decorations again.
Thankfully.
While gazing at the illuminations on the trees lining Haussmann Street,
Kobe Luminarie was held to pray for recovery from the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake.
I thought about the feelings of those who saw it for the first time in 1995.
This illumination was seen again this year,
I want the old days to come back,
I want to set goals for the future and do my best.
Again, I think "hope" is the bare minimum!
On November 28th (Sat), the second outing restriction was partially lifted,
The day after commercial facilities reopened.
Check out the Galeries Lafayette Christmas tree shot on Sunday!
The theme for this year's Galeries Lafayette Christmas tree is "Christmas Journey."
Russian ornament on top
An orangutan climbs a fir tree,
The lanterns of Asia and the Middle East sway,
There were elements that symbolized various countries.
And this year too, there will be a spectacle of sound and light every 30 minutes!
The ornament starts to move, and it is quite impressive.
Oh yeah, the red propeller plane flying over the Christmas tree
It is said to be a tribute to the plane that successfully landed on the Galeries Lafayette rooftop in 1919.
It seems that such airplane competitions were actively held at that time.
Cross the Seine and move to the left bank to Le Bonmarche.
Every year, it's elegant and chic like a dream.
Even if Galeries Lafayette is No. 1 for the liveliness and liveliness unique to December,
If you choose a Christmas present calmly while being immersed in an elegant mood
This is Le Bonmarche.
Dear Brand Juliet fans,
Surely in the Le Bonmarche school?
Continuing from last year in the store
A forest of Christmas trees appeared.
It's a white Christmas this year.
Combined with the elevator designed by Andre Putman, it is fantastic.
It's worth a visit just to see this!
On this day, when I saw Le Bon Marche for the first time in a while, I noticed that
There are many stands with artisans (craftsmen).
There has been a demonstration stand for creators for a long time,
I feel that number has increased.
Here at
Atelier Paulin
is an accessory brand made in Paris.
Really, on the spot, right in front of you!
A jeweler will create an original accessory for you.
Materials are gold filled and 18k gold.
You can choose according to your budget!
Finally, I would like to introduce
Chocolatier de Paris , a confiterie (sweets specialty store) in the 13th arrondissement of Paris, where I live.
This is a picture of the restrictions on going out in November,
Christmas items were already lined up.
Of course, if every year
It's no surprise that Christmas products line up in November.
If this old-fashioned store disappears,
The charm of Paris will be halved.
As someone who always feels
I expressed my gratitude to the owner.
For everyone in Japan,
I imagine this year was a tough year.
mentally and physically,
1 years while feeling a sense of incongruity that is not originally.
It looks like we finally have a vaccine
But will things change dramatically?
In Europe, I still feel like there is no exit in sight.
What kind of year will 2021 be?
At least, with the fresh scent of fir trees and kadomatsu,
I want to capture even just a good "mind"!
At home now,
I have (something like) a handmade wreath.
Let the fir trees sterilize the indoor air,
Say goodbye to 2020.
Hope everyone is doing well!
See you again, Abianto!
Keiko SUMINO-LEBLANC
Paris-based writer/coordinator Japanese-French translator
Moved to Paris in 1997.
After getting married and raising children in Paris, she is active as a freelance writer and coordinator. As a journalist specializing in food and lifestyle,
Contributed to numerous magazines and media in France and Japan. He also co-authored a book as a translator.
keiko's paris journal <Paris News - KSL> Updating the lifestyle of Paris