"It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas....."

Christmas is a magical time almost anywhere in the world and it's interesting to see it in different towns, states and countries. Here in Aix, we've found it to be magical and beautiful but understated as well. Most of the decorations are simple, mainly blue and white lights, and the stores have only a few subtle decorations; perhaps a small flocked Christmas tree outside their door or some ornaments or bows in the windows. One of the first signs Christmas is coming in Aix is the appearance of the lights, especially on the Cours Mirabeau. Talk about magical!!






The second, almost simultaneous sign Christmas is coming is the construction of dozens of tiny chalets on the entire east side of the Cours Mirabeau. Vendors from all over Provence rent these seasonal chalets to sell their wares. You can purchase a wide variety of gifts, crafts and food items. We love getting a vin chaud(hot mulled wine) or a chocolate chaud in the evening and strolling the Cours to check out the people, the chalets and their wares.

Last year, we befriended our favorite vendor, Rose-Ann. She and her husband, Philippe, have a company, Provence Lavandes. They sell the most beautiful, unique handmade lavender creations! Next year, they will be featured in the William Sonoma Home catalogue but for now you can see them here or at http://www.provencelavandes.com/.






Another top selling item at the Aix Christmas market are santons. For those of you who don't know what these are, don't feel bad, until last year I had never even heard of one. A santon is a small hand-painted terracotta figurine that is used for building nativity scenes. The word "santon" comes from the Provençal "santoun," or "little saint." They became popular during the French Revolution when the churches were closed and the larger, traditional nativity scenes in churches prohibited. Smaller figurines began appearing in homes, and quickly gained popularity.They are a traditional product of Provence and in the month leading up to Christmas, there are traditional santon fairs all over Provence where santons of all sizes can be acquired to decorate domestic creches. The traditional manufacture of santons is centred on Marseille, Aix-en-Provence and Arles. Apart from the standard figures and animals associated with the nativity (including elephants and camels), there are countless other santons depicting traditional characters from Provencal village life, including the motley fool, the miller and the blind man. In the past two years, thanks gifts from my children, I have a small collection.

What would the Christmas season be without music? Every day and night along the Cours Mirabeau you can usually find a group performing. One night we enjoyed the sounds of several of our friends from church who got together to sing Christmas Carols-in English!

.