Day 16: HannahLee Marion - Joyeux Noel

Well hello there, I’m Hannah-Lee and I have a fetish for France. I visited two summers ago and fell in love with Paris -the kind of love that gives you butterflies in your tummy and makes you perk up on a rainy day. I think I missed Paris before I ever left. My dream is to live in Europe- under a bridge, in a meadow, or on a rock- as long as I have a place to lay my head! You see, the thing about the French is they just get it- fashion, food, their slow pace of life, and, of course, the holidays.

Joyeux Noël

3 Très Chic Ways to Celebrate the Holidays

As we Americans attempt to celebrate yet another Christmas full of Black Friday shopping, cheesy marketing jingles and Christmas Wish Lists that would make the Queen of England blush, the French are taking a different approach. Take a few cues from the Europeans and simplify this holiday season with these 3 tips:

1. Eat locally. Although religion in France is becoming scarce, a traditional French family would flock to “la Messe de Minuit,” or Midnight Mass, on Christmas Eve followed by le Réveillon. Le Réveillon is the culinary event of the year! Americans from Denver to Manhattan, celebrate Christmas with a traditional turkey, sweet potato casserole, green beans almondine, etc., but, for the French, this is not the case. Each region has a different cultural dish. In Paris, the specialty is foie gras and oysters while in Burgundy they are noshing on roasted stuffed turkey and chestnuts. They only eat what is readily available in their region. The following is a guide to buying seasonally in your area: http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/seasonalcooking/farmtotable/seasonalingredientmap

By preparing locally grown foods, you are saving the environment, supporting local farmers and eating healthier, unprocessed foods.

2. Decorate Naturally. On Christmas Eve, it is customary for French children to leave food and a candle burning in the window just in case Mary passes by with the Christ child; however, you won’t find the flameless candles that are rampant in the states. Follow this link for DIY Beeswax candles: http://ohhappyday.com/2012/12/beeswax-candle-diy/

(They would also make fabulously organic Christmas presents!)

3. Spend Less. Quality is much more important in France than quantity. This year I am opting for quality presents that are truly a splurge in everyday life but not impractical. Rather than giving out of obligation or the sake of crossing a name off their shopping list, the French give out of thoughtfulness and love. Think the perfect shade of Holly Golightly lipstick for the dreamer (Fanfare by MAC has my vote!)or unique flea market finds for the girl who has everything.

Merry Christmas! -HannahLee