Category: Christmas

Birthdays, Christmas

C’est le geste qui compte: A phrase to remember during gift-giving season

The following story is a reminder it’s the thought that counts, so don’t stress over gift-giving this season (easier said than done, I know…) TODAY’S PHRASE: C’est le geste qui compte [say-luh zhest kee kohnt] : it’s the thought that counts A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse Entering the studio on the side of our house, I find Mom bundled in bed, … Continue reading C’est le geste qui compte: A phrase to remember during gift-giving season

Kristin Espinasse19 Comments
Christmas, Culture, Trees

L’arbre de Noël & A Christmas tree with a Provençal Twist

Meet "Ollie," our olive tree, who will soon be dressed for Christmas with baubles, ribbons and warm white lights. Discover the story behind this unique Christmas tree in today's post. Voici "Ollie," notre olivier, qui sera bientôt paré pour Noël avec des boules, des rubans, et des lumières blanches chaudes. Découvrez l'histoire de cet arbre de Noël unique dans le billet d'aujourd'hui. L'ARBRE DE NOËL … Continue reading L’arbre de Noël & A Christmas tree with a Provençal Twist

Kristin Espinasse19 Comments
Christmas, Entertaining, French Christmas

La Canne à Pêche: A Highly Amusing (Economic & Time-Saving) Gift Exchange!

The moss on these rocks is "Christmas tree green" and the sea, dazzling at sunrise. TODAY'S WORD: LA CANNE à PÊCHE     : fishing pole A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse The first gift on Christmas morning came in the form of sunrays. Clear blue skies and warm temperatures meant our extended family would be able to enjoy a festive meal … Continue reading La Canne à Pêche: A Highly Amusing (Economic & Time-Saving) Gift Exchange!

Kristin Espinasse12 Comments
Celebrations, Christmas, Forgiveness

Joyeux Noël: A Christmas Message from Kristi

I love this scene, photographed a year or so ago at our local Charity shop, Emmaus. Today’s Word: Joyeux Noël   : Merry Christmas!  A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi EspinasseI would like to share a reader comment that is helping me to keep the faith, no matter how many times I stumble, on this, the final countdown to Noël: Help me to … Continue reading Joyeux Noël: A Christmas Message from Kristi

Kristin Espinasse29 Comments
Christmas, Max

Which is more noble: “l’equilibre”…or “la perfection”? (A Christmas Story)

There is no perfect Christmas. Not in France, not where you grew up, and not even at the North Pole. So relax and enjoy the season. Instead of a word, today's offering is a quote by French philosopher Jean Grenier: "Il est aussi noble de tendre à l'équilibre qu'à la perfection ; car c'est une perfection que de garder l'équilibre""It is as noble to strive … Continue reading Which is more noble: “l’equilibre”…or “la perfection”? (A Christmas Story)

Kristin Espinasse19 Comments
Christmas, Jules, Recette / Recipe

Un Jour à la fois: One day at a time during the holidays + Tarte Tatin recipe

Take inspiration from these jolly characters, left, and hang in there when this holiday season speeds up! More words and encouragement in today's update. Offer a book this holiday season! Thank you for keeping my collected stories in mind for a French-themed Christmas present. Click here to purchase Words in a French Life or another book to put under the tree. TODAY'S WORD: Un Jour … Continue reading Un Jour à la fois: One day at a time during the holidays + Tarte Tatin recipe

Kristin Espinasse34 Comments
Celebrations, Christmas

Bon Bout D’An! Something French to wish others this time of year

A sunny view from the village of Auriol, where Jean-Marc and I had lunch Wednesday. In these southern French towns you'll hear a traditional Provençal end-of-the-year wish: Bon bout d'an! TODAY'S WORD: Bon bout d'an!     : Happy end of the year! EXAMPLE SENTENCE & AUDIO FILEListen to all the French words in today's story via the sound file below. Then scroll to the … Continue reading Bon Bout D’An! Something French to wish others this time of year

Kristin Espinasse40 Comments
Christmas

Faire le Sapin, “la flemme” and The Spirit of the Season

A giant sapin de noël in the Mediterranean port of Bandol, south of France. TODAY'S WORD: la flemme     : laziness, reluctance  Consider all these translations for "j'ai la flemme": I don't feel like, I'm too lazy, I'm not motivated, I can't be bothered, I don't even care, I haven't the courage Audio/Listening: Click the link below to hear Jean-Marc pronounce the French words in … Continue reading Faire le Sapin, “la flemme” and The Spirit of the Season

Kristin Espinasse35 Comments
Christmas

Mangeoire: a most meaningful French word

One year ago, looking in the window at my French family who joined us here for le repas de Noël. TODAY'S WORD: une mangeoire         : feeding trough, manger EXAMPLE SENTENCE:Là, dans la saleté et entre les animaux, elle mit son bébé au monde. Puis elle l'enveloppa chaudement et, comme il n'y avait pas de berceau, elle le déposa dans *une mangeoire* pour qu'il puisse … Continue reading Mangeoire: a most meaningful French word

Kristin Espinasse37 Comments
Christmas

The Carpenter’s Gift: A Christmas Story

Christmas lights in our village of  St Cyr-sur-Mer, South of France TODAY'S WORD: le menuisier     : carpenter ECOUTEZ/LISTEN: hear Jean-Marc pronounce the following sentence: Download MP3 or Download Wav     Le menuisier. Le menuisier a donner à Kristi un cadeau de grand signification.    Carpenter. The carpenter gave Kristi a meaningful gift. A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE… by Kristin Espinasse Today, in the seaside town of La Ciotat, I … Continue reading The Carpenter’s Gift: A Christmas Story

Kristin Espinasse41 Comments