Paris News: A Christmas tree made from cardboard?!

The Christmas season has arrived again this year!
Once mid-November passes, Christmas decorations start to appear in windows around town, and I'm sure this is the same in Japan.
In the case of Paris,
In particular, the department store on Boulevard Haussmann behind the Opera House, When the Christmas decorations appear at Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, it really feels like the end of the year is upon us.
Many people are looking forward to seeing what Galeries Lafayette's Christmas tree will look like this year.

In 2022, in addition to the various raw material shortages that have continued due to the COVID-19 pandemic,
The war in Ukraine, the associated energy problems, environmental destruction and climate change...
A number of urgent issues,
It's been a year in which I've had to be conscious of this on a daily basis.
Europe's serious energy problems
It may have even made the news in Japan.
In October, many gas stations in France were forced to close due to a gasoline shortage.
An unbelievable situation occurred, with gas stations that remained open being jammed with cars waiting to refuel.
It was adjusted in November, but...

In response to this situation, the city of Paris is currently
The lights of historical buildings are turned off after 10pm.
The Eiffel Tower also turns off its lights at 11.45pm.
The famous sparkling lights will be on for the last time at 11pm.
Energy conservation is a very personal and serious issue, for example, at a university in Strasbourg, the Christmas holidays are extended to reduce heating costs.

So how do you celebrate Christmas?
This must have been a problem for all the department stores in Paris.
It's the most important event of the year,
Being too flashy is not in keeping with the times.
On the other hand, it would be sad if it became too plain.
There are already so many social problems these days,
I want to be surrounded by a happy mood at least during Christmas.



So, what kind of Christmas tree do you think Galeries Lafayette created?
Yes, a cardboard tree.
It was unveiled under the glass ceiling of this historic building!

Cardboard Christmas trees
It's actually a hidden trend that has been around for the past few years.
Cutting down fir trees every year for Christmas trees (i.e. cutting down lush forests to grow fir trees)
It is one of the solutions chosen by those who oppose it.
When I opened the folded cardboard box,
It is designed to expand into a three-dimensional Christmas tree shape.
But still,
The only downside is that it's a bit plain compared to a real fir tree...



And yet, Galeries Lafayette, France's largest department store, has decided to use cardboard Christmas trees!
And it's not lonely or dull at all.
The vivid green,
Doesn't that make you feel energized and excited?
The art director did a great job!

I think using wisdom, especially in difficult times, is a specialty of the French.
Learning from their spirit,
How will you decorate your Christmas tree this year?



This year's Christmas theme at Galeries Lafayette is "Planet Sapin" (fir tree planet).
After all, Christmas is for the kids!
Cherish those basics.



The illuminations at night really get you excited.
It really feels like the end of the year.



In January after Christmas, there were many parks in Paris.
This is how the fir tree collection area appears.
The collected fir trees were crushed into small pieces,
They will be reused for gardening in Paris' parks.
Cover the flower beds with crushed fir wood,
It keeps you warm, moisturizes, and keeps out weeds.
I personally feel that another benefit is that the surrounding area is enveloped in the refreshing scent of fir trees.
Such is winter in Paris.
I hope you all have a wonderful New Year.

Until next time,
Avianto!
[Christmas items are here ♪]