Christmas is a family and festive period in Drôme Provençale. It’s time for large meals, Christmas tree and crib. Nothing better than to meet up with family or friends, in the evening, by the fireplace for moments of sharing with chocolate and hot drinks.
But Christmas requires specific preparations. Let’s start with the choice of the Christmas tree and decoration, balls and tinsels of all kinds. Then the crib and santons, not to mention the holly and the crown on the frontdoors for the most traditional ones.
Place des arcades Nyons
It is also during this month of December that we create the menu: foie gras, seafood or the famous turkey with chestnuts. But especially the 13 desserts so important to the Provencal people who have a story each: “la pompe à huile” that must be broken and not cut with a knife, the “panade” which is a tart with apple sauce with braces on the top, black & white “nougat” which represents the good and the bad, the dried fruits representing the 4 religious orders with the raisin for the Dominicans, the dried figs for the Parisians, the almonds for the Carmélites and the nuts or hazelnuts for the Augustins, then the grape or melon, oranges, clementines or apples, quince paste, candied fruits and ear buds. Do not miss out making your Santa’s gift list and advent calendar to wait for Christmas smoothly.
The big night arrives, the whole family meets around the table sharing happiness, love and memories. At the end of the evening, everyone goes to bed, eager to wake up the next morning to open the presents that Santa Claus has come to leave at the foot of the tree during the night.
Rue des déportés
Place des Arcades
Tour Randonne
It’s Christmas Day! It is very cold outside but some embers still glitter in the fireplace. The first rays of light pierce the shutters, the smallest do not lose a minute: they will wake up their elders and parents who are still sleeping. “Quick, quick, daddy & mom! Let’s see if Santa Claus has dropped his presents in the night! “. Still a little sleepy, the head full of memories of the beautiful Christmas they had…the adults wake up slowly, impatient to see if they have been”wise” this year…
In the living room, the magic of Christmas has operated during the night: the tree is still there, dazzling and proud, almost more beautiful than the day before, and under the tree, all the colourful presents. The children are so excited and happy!: Luca discovers the beautiful rollers he ordered to Santa Claus; for Lise it’s a scooter! Theo is already cuddling his new talking teddy bear! The parents too are spoiled …: Mum opens a beautiful red envelope on which it is written “Amazing Stay for 2 in the Baronnies Provençales”. She will enjoy with dad a massage duo, a dinner in the restaurant, beautiful discoveries of the land, and they will spend a loving night in a charming bed and breakfast …
Dad got a big kiss. What a wonderful Christmas we had this year!