Des histoires de Noël
I had promised myself the evening before that I would attend church. But on Sunday morning, I found myself hesitant about going, as always. This time, though, it felt extra daunting because it was the annual Christmas pageant.
I thought a pageant was un défilé. I associated it with glamour, because of the beauty pageants I grew up watching on television in France—little girls in princess dresses, hair teased up to the sky. But, a beauty pageant in church? Je ne savais quoi penser.
“I don’t have kids; that’ll make me look weird if I go,” I texted Vinny, who was on the boat.
“Oh, it’s actually a play,” he replied. “No worries.”
So I slipped into my Sunday dress, and indeed, it was a play—a great one. I couldn’t believe how talented the kids were, both as actors and singers.
The following Tuesday, Vinny got back from his two-week shift on the tugboat—his return, my favorite time of the month. Since we only had one week together before I flew back home to Mom, Dad, Grandma, Ricci, and and Mama and Papa Tourterelle, waiting for me in Provence, we wanted to experience as many New York Christmas activities as possible.
Our first stop was the Rockefeller Christmas tree—plein les yeux! Meaning: wow. Apparently, they brought it all the way from Massachusetts. I had never seen such a crowd in the city.
“Look at all those chickens,” Vinny said.
Eventually, we made it next to Mrs. Tree and took a selfie with her. Look, I hate crowds—who doesn’t? But this one was different. I tolerated it. People were happy and calm, with sparkles in their eyes, watching the beauty of New York during the holiday season.
The night continued with ice skating—le patinage sur glace—under the Brooklyn Bridge, and it was snowing. How much more Christmas could it get? Well, the story wasn’t finished yet.
At 5 a.m., I heard an unidentified noise.
“They’re plowing,” Vinny said.
“Meaning?”
“They’re shoveling the snow.”
We woke up to a white décor. I had never seen that much snow since I worked in the Alps back in 2022. But now it was New York—and it was magic.
FRENCH VOCABULARY
Noël = Christmas
le défilé = parade; fashion show
Je ne savais quoi penser = I didn’t know what to think
la tourterelle = collared dove
plein les yeux = a feast for the eyes; something dazzling
le patinage sur glace = ice skating
le décor = setting; scenery
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C’est très bon, le patinage à glace, n’est-ce pas?!
I’m laughing as I read. Same snow, plows, ice, and decorations. Thank you, Jackie, for reminding me of the magical side of this time of year. Mostly I’m fretting about getting things done, the budget, driving and walking in the lovely ice and snow, and trying to stay warm enough. I haven’t been to NYC in a while. How fun to see pix via SoFran.😂
Jackie’s post is the next best thing to being in NY for Christmas. A great addition to Christmas.
Our dear Jackie and Kristi ,
Thank you for starting our Christmas week countdown with such a wonderful post and pictures! Seeing the world through your eyes at this time of life Jackie , fills us with joy smiles,and gratitude for all of our own blessings.
More Blessings always
Arms around tight around all of you
Joyeux Noel mes cheres!
Love
Natalia xo
bonjour, Jackie: It looks as if you are really enjoying being in NY. This is one of the most beautiful times of the year to be there even without the snow; but, you received a bonus. Thanks so much for the great photos & your enthusiastic words. You’re in a “New York State of Mind.” Bonne Fete to you & your family.
Kristi, I am sure you are excited to have Jackie home! Joyeux Noël à tous!
How great Jackie will be home with all of you for the holidays! Joyeux Noel!
In first pic, if I squint & look to the right of stop sign, I see a citroen 2CV in a snowy scene in Strasbourg ca 1974…..merci
J’adore les histoires de Jackie! Jackie – tu écris si bien! Bon voyage et bon retour en la seine de ta famille qui t’attendent.
They were “shoveling” the snow, I assume, not “shuffling” it? You made me remember that unique sound of the snow plow. I haven’t heard it since I was a kid, since I live in a more temperate climate now!
Great post, pictures and videos. So much fun and sweet. I really loved it. Thanks.
Your pictures and video of New York in the snow bring back memories. Born in a blizzard on Long Island, I’ve always loved the wintry white scenes … Thank you for renewing them and the spectacular holiday season NYC offers. Viewing Central Park from upstairs at the Guggenheim after it has just snowed, at sunset, cannot be fully described. Thank you from Florida and a very Merry Christmas to all. 🎄
Hi Jackie and Kristi,
Thanks for the fun post! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Loved your post and pictures! Wishing all of you a very merry Christmas and happy new year❤️
Snow is always beautiful for one day – or two – if you’re in the city. Then it becomes mush, unless you’re in the Alps. I loved your photos