And in the church too

We should not forget that Christmas is essentially a religious festival, even if we are not believers. Though France is a secular society many of its people are still practising Catholics and the churches have their cribs to remind worshipers of the event and meaning of Christmas. When we were buying hay yesterday M Alaux our neighbour said he had been busy finishing the crib in the parish church of Varen, so we dropped in to see the parishioners' work. It is so traditional in design that one can imagine many of the elements have been in use for many years.

 

A Christmas crib made from plastic

Recycled plastic crib. Photo France 3

The little church at Briols, Aveyron has been undergoing restoration thanks to a dedicated group of parishioners and one initiative has been to create each Christmas a "themed" crib (creche). This year, the 8th edition, appalled by the "sixth continent" of plastic floating in our oceans, the parishioners decided create their crib entirely from recycled plastic. The church will be open each day, except 24th December, from 15h to 18h for viewing the creche.

More Christmas spirit about

Santa's helpers: photo DDM/EL

Four women from Albi were moved by the plight of poor and homeless people in their city and decided to do an Advent calendar - but in reverse. Instead of opening a window to find a gift, they made gifts to give away.
Making up boxes containing essential needs for a homeless or poor person, some for men, some for women and some for children, plus some treats where possible the four friends will be distributing their Christmas boxes in the next couple of weeks.
We have seen a similar project closer to Tagland, where the members of FIFI (friends in France international) have been repeating their idea of preparing similar boxes for distribution to a women's shelter in the Tarn. And Mains Tendues 82, the local charity based in Varen is to distribute gifts to the most elderly residents of the commune plus a donation to the village school to entertain our youngest residents. They will also be making gifts to the various refugees and their families housed locally, an idea which has been greeted with generosity by supporters.
At a time when so much is being made of the plight of ordinary people around us it is heartening that some positive action is being taken to share Christmas with those less well off.

Carols and Mince Pies

and mulled wine. Saturday, 17h (5pm) Salle des Fetes, Verfeil (82), entry free, singing optional, but who can resist?

Order your Christmas cake from Glynis

This year's Christmas cake collection is underway
I will be selling at three Christmas fairs this year
3rd / 4th December Caylus salle de fetes
10th December Castelnau de Montmiral salle de fetes
11th December Verfeil salle de fetes

The small square 3" cakes will be 12€
The medium ones at 4" square will be 17€
There are a few smaller ones at 8€ and a few bigger around 30€

If you follow my facebook page I post a different cake from the collection each day
https://www.facebook.com/cakesinfrance

You can reserve in advance, you can come to one of the fairs or contact me by email at vin.rouge@live.co.uk

Kind regards

Glynis

Write to Pere Noel or email him.

If your children want to write to Pierre Noel*, the ritual here in France has been held and respected by La Poste  since  18th Nov 1962. It is imperative to receive a response to send before the 23 rd of December.

Also now children can send an electronic message to Father Christmas  to www.laposte.fr/pere-noel

More than 1. 2 million letters will be received and 134,000 emails

comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Malc says: is "Pierre" Santa Claus's brother?