Ysatis Posted December 16, 2008 Share Posted December 16, 2008 I was sat here thinking about us due to put up our christmas decorations this Saturday. We have some outside one's to put up, icicles from the guttering. It's the first time we've had outside decorations. We have yet to spend a Christmas in France, something we want to do (hopefully) in a few years time. I was wondering, do French households put up outside decorations like we do in the UK. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Âme Posted December 16, 2008 Share Posted December 16, 2008 Yes, and lots of them! In a 20 minute drive (to town, through a couple of villages, with lights hanging over the road, lit nativity scenes outside the churches and decorated Christmas trees) there are houses with parachuting Santas, groups of reindeer on the lawn, icicles a-go-go... Quite a few houses have some lights outlining the roof, gables & guttering and several have gone for the full Blackpool illuminations effect. It's lovely! There is one house nearby, covered in lights, all flashing at an insane pace. Makes your heart race just to watch it! I thought that people might have cut back this year, but that doesn't seem to be so. At other times of year, there are no lights at all, because shutters are closed, so it is particularly nice to see such an explosion of colour and light. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gardengirl Posted December 16, 2008 Share Posted December 16, 2008 We drove from the south of France to the Tunnel last wkend, and saw lots, particularly in the few small villages we went to. Some were really pretty, but I hated the vivid blue ones. (Probably just stepped on someone's toes!)I had hoped to get one of those waterproof Santas to bring back, but couldn't find one anywhere - tried several garden centres, plus the various DIY places. The only one I saw was a set of 3 little ones - quite jolly, but not the fellas for me!Jo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Âme Posted December 16, 2008 Share Posted December 16, 2008 Waterproof Santas? I don't think I've seen one. I like the Santa with a hessian sack over his shoulder, climbing a ladder, that are hung from balconies. Not lit up, but near-lifesize and very sweet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mayennaise Posted December 17, 2008 Share Posted December 17, 2008 They begin to look a little jaded when they are still hanging there at the end of March!! Do the french wait for them to just rot away? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Âme Posted December 17, 2008 Share Posted December 17, 2008 Ha,ha, yes. The twelfth-night rule doesn't seem to apply. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chessfou Posted December 17, 2008 Share Posted December 17, 2008 I blame TF1 for their reports on the lunchtime news. This year I can see three houses with external lights (two lots flashing) from my study window _ it's the first time ever in our village.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clair Posted December 18, 2008 Share Posted December 18, 2008 Some pictures: http://www.ladepeche.fr/Les-illuminations-de-Noel_di198-1.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ysatis Posted December 20, 2008 Author Share Posted December 20, 2008 Thanks for the replies everyone.I thought there would be less in France. I'm glad to hear that it is similar to here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christine Animal Posted December 20, 2008 Share Posted December 20, 2008 They've become obsessed with it, compete with each other and people come and visit them. [:D]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5_j95148lE&feature=relatedand here's one in Belgium!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIFRwyhHEJs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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