This may be surprising but I’ve actually never had a cold Christmas! Growing up in Australia meant that December is actually one of the hottest months of the year and that most of my Christmas’s were spent on the beach. So, I cannot tell you how excited I was to find out that I will be having not only a winter Christmas but a winter Christmas in Paris!
In case you were wondering I have been lucky enough to visit Paris once before, for a month in the Summer. I spent my time doing classic, tourist-like things such as visiting the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower but this trip has been different for so many reasons. Staying with my sister Natasha in her beautiful Parisian apartment in St Germain, rather than a hotel or an Airbnb, has given me a whole different view of Paris! Waking up in the mornings and visiting the local boulangerie (bakery) or walking around the local streets has made me feel what it is like to live a “Parisian lifestyle” – which I love by the way! This time instead of waiting in the lines to see the amazing sites of Paris I spent a day with my friend Sophie from Sydney (who I was happy to see) taking cute photos and polaroids and admiring them from afar!
After days and days of Christmas shopping around Paris (which honestly can be exhausting haha) Christmas Eve finally came and I realized that the way the French celebrate Christmas is entirely different to the way I always have! Did you guys know that they do there big Christmas meal with the whole family AND start opening presents on Christmas Eve!? One of my favourite things about Christmas is waking up to open presents on Christmas morning, so as much as I love everything French, I have to say I prefer the English tradition for this one!
I always love meeting and getting know new people from different parts of the world and Natasha’s boyfriend, Gille’s, family and friends joined us for the holidays so I felt like a adopted a whole new French family!
Something I especially love is that being surrounded by French people has meant that I have picked up some French vocabulary- something that I have noticed the locals appreciate. I have shared some of my favourite little French words and sayings at the end of the blog post so you guys can learn some too!
All in all my trip has been amazing and a dream come true- I have been away from most of my family for the holidays but didn’t want to let that discourage me from travelling and doing something different and new!
Paris you have been amazing and I have a feeling I’ll see you again sometime soon but for now my super soft, cloud like bed in L.A. is calling my name and I have to go! ; )
Bonjour- Hello
Merci beaucoup- Thank you very much
Pardon- Excuse me (My clumsy self uses this one a lot)
Au revoir- Goodbye
A bientôt- See you soon
A plus tard- See you later
Boulangerie – Bakery
Pain au chocolat- Chocolate Croissant
8 Comments
Beautiful post! Can I ask where your backpack is from please? I’ve been trying to find one like it for months! Thank you x
Thanks Eleanor! My backpack is from The Daily Edited, they do your initials on it, mine says SLV and I love it.
Hey Sofia!
Thanks so much for sharing all your exclusive Paris photos! I love your style!
I wanted to comment on the way that Christmas is celebrated in Paris- it’s actually very similar to the Hispanic tradition.
I grew up in Mexico and we always had a big dinner with the entire family and stayed up until midnight to open our gifts!
I can relate to the way you says that you prefer the American tradition of waking up xmas morning and opening gifts. For me, staying up late on that one special night to exchange gifts has always been the best part of xmas.
Anyway, I’m so glad you enjoyed your holiday with your sister and friends!! Can’t wait to see more of your blog posts! Hope you get a chance to check out my Instagram. I’d love to hear some feedback from you, as I am also beginning my own beach life blog!
Have a great day!!
Xo,
gloriarmrz
I love your style, you’re awesome!
What a beautiful post! I really love it.
Could you maybe tell us where your blazer-skirt combo and your shoes ade from in the last 3 pictures? They are so pretty!
Thank so much, my Blazer and skirt are from the brand Maje, I got them for Christmas, I am obsessed.
I love your coat – where is it from?! Can’t believe it was your first cold Christmas – I had my first warm Christmas this year!
My grey coat is from Viktoria and Woods, Its literally the best! I know, I also can’t believe I hadn’t had a cold Christmas before this time in Paris, but I loved it. Hope you enjoyed your warm Xmas!!!