Tag Archives: Christmas

All of Our Travels, Cambodia, Croatia, England, France, Hungary, Italy, Malaysia, Slovenia

2014 in Review – Part 2

January 2, 2015 meanderingfamily 1 Comment

Our experiences in 2014 have been rewarding beyond our dreams. Taking the time to look back over all of our blog posts, Facebook posts, and photos has made it all seem even more unbelievable. It’s hard to believe all that we’ve done and the amazing places that we’ve visited. We are truly grateful to have spent the year exploring and learning together, living abroad, and making friends.

There was so much to cover in our year-end review, that we felt that our recollections needed to be broken up into two parts for easier reading. If you haven’t read Part 1, which covers January – June, then you can find it here. Otherwise, read on as we cover our adventures from July – December. Continue reading 2014 in Review – Part 2 →

All of Our Travels, France

Little Saints in Avignon

December 24, 2014 meanderingfamily Leave a comment

The crèche Provençale, also known as the Provençal crib or the nativity, has been around since the French Revolution. At that time, churches were forcibly closed and sacked. Both masses and nativity scenes were banned. In response, devout Christians created their own crèche to keep the tradition alive in their homes. They crafted “santons”, or little saints, made of clay. These figurines not only included the Holy Family, shepherds and Three Kings, but also the ordinary peasants of Provence.

In Avignon, many churches showcase a crèche and the city sponsors its own crèche. Normally, it is displayed at the Hôtel de Ville (town hall), but this year it was held at L’église des Célestins. The elaborate display was a joy to see. We loved all of the detail and creativity that went into it. Although, it deserved better lighting.

Continue reading Little Saints in Avignon →

All of Our Travels, France

Avignon Christmas Scenes

December 24, 2014 meanderingfamily 2 Comments

Avignon is a beautiful city any day of the year, but who can resist any city decorated for the holidays. Beautiful. Continue reading Avignon Christmas Scenes →

All of Our Travels, France

Avignon Christmas Market

December 24, 2014 meanderingfamily 2 Comments

The primary Christmas Market in Avignon is located at the Place de l’Horloge, the central square of Avignon, in front of the Hôtel de Ville (town hall) and the Opéra Grand Avignon. The market is full of tempting Provençal-style handicrafts and gourmet items. In this winter village you’ll find the famous Savon de Marseille (Marseille olive oil soap), dried lavender and sachets, chocolates, olive tapenade, Provençal textiles, nougat, cheeses, sausages, vin chaud (hot mulled wine), crêpes, ornaments, jewelry, and toys. This market includes a beautiful carousel that seems quite popular. It’s a lovely place to stroll any time of day, but the evening is particularly magical with it’s lovely decorations aglow.

All of Our Travels, France, Hungary

A Nomadic Christmas

December 23, 2014 meanderingfamily Leave a comment

For the last 9 months of travel, we’ve carried all of our belongings on our backs. Every piece of clothing, important document, and electronic device that we need is stuffed into one of our backpacks. The limited space and the cumulative weight forces us to prioritize and simplify. We make choices based on how much each item weighs, how much space it will take up, how much we *really* need it, and if it has more than one use.

As we’ve travelled through Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, England, Croatia, Italy, Hungary, and now France, there have been countless items that we would have loved to purchase as a souvenir, but it’s simply not an option. Our backpacks are already stuffed to the gills. We sold our home back in the US, so we can’t ship it there. In the end, whatever it is, we don’t need it and it’s no great loss. We’ve learned that possessions aren’t what bring happiness. Continue reading A Nomadic Christmas →

All of Our Travels, Hungary

Ice Skating in Budapest

December 10, 2014 meanderingfamily 1 Comment

We came to Budapest looking to embrace the chilly weather and indulge in holiday cheer. The Christmas Markets are the perfect place to begin, but another great winter activity that we enjoy is ice skating. There is very little that so perfectly exemplifies the season.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJxdRZ6sKRI Continue reading Ice Skating in Budapest →

All of Our Travels, Hungary

The Holidays in Budapest

December 9, 2014 meanderingfamily 2 Comments

We lounged comfortably on the couch of our rented condo in Malaysia as we talked about how and where we wanted to spend the holidays. It was September and, after spending 6 months in the extreme heat and humidity of Southeast Asia, the idea of spending Fall and Winter in the northern hemisphere didn’t sound bad at all. Plus, it was difficult to imagine that it would feel “Christmasy” to us in a tropical climate. I suppose that comes from growing up in the NE and NW regions of the United States.

We wanted chilly weather that allowed us to bundle up. We wanted holiday cheer and decorations. We wanted carolers and Christmas Markets. And, heck, we wanted ice skating. We looked into our destination options and we didn’t lack for choices, but ultimately we wanted the biggest holiday bang-for-our-buck. Continue reading The Holidays in Budapest →

All of Our Travels, United States

Christmas Traditions: Gingerbread Junction at Sunriver Resort

December 24, 2013 meanderingfamily Leave a comment

The Sunriver Resort in Central Oregon celebrates a popular holiday tradition with their 18th Annual Gingerbread Junction display. Each year the resort sells a limited number of “lots” to participants that want to build a gingerbread house and help raise funds for various causes. This year, proceeds will be donated to the Newberry Habitat for Humanity.

You’ll find dozens of elaborately decorated gingerbread houses in the Abbot Room of the Sunriver Resort Lodge through January 1, 2014.

gingerbread junction sunriver resort

All of Our Travels, France

Vaux-le-Vicomte Celebrates Christmas

December 19, 2013 meanderingfamily Leave a comment

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8TDHmeCKYo

Christmas tree in Vaux-le-Vicomte castle © DR

Visting the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is like visiting a miniature version of Château de Versailles, and for good reason. Versailles is modeled from it. Upon visiting Vaux-le-Vicomte as a guest, Louis XIV was so stunned by its refined opulence and insulted by what he considered treasonous ostentation that he imprisoned his host, Nicolas Fouquet, for the rest of his life. Just as quickly, he seized the chateaux for himself and hired its architect, decorator, and garden designer to remodel his own palace in a similar, but much grander, style.

Chistmas decorations in Vaux-le-Vicomte © DR

We first learned about the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte while reading Man in the Iron Mask by Alexandre Dumas. The history, intrigue and drama of the story led us to visit and we were not disappointed with what we found. You won’t be either. What better time to visit this sumptuous château than when it’s decorated for the holidays? You’ll discover a magical atmosphere with lights, music and chimney fires.

Château de Vaux-Le-Vicomte
77950 Maincy
RER: Melun, from Gare de Lyon to Melun, duration: 30 min, then taxi or shuttle to the château

From November 30, 2013 to January 5, 2014
10.30 am till 6.00 pm – Last admission at 5.45 pm.
Closed on December 25th and January 1st.

Entrance: from 14 euros
Entrance + show : from 22 euros

All of Our Travels, France

3 Great Places to Take the Family Ice Skating in Paris

December 18, 2013 meanderingfamily Leave a comment

Paris by night is enchanting whatever the season, but it’s downright magical around Christmas. The lights and decorations magnify the splendor of the city. Why not indulge in a quintessentially winter activity by gliding across the ice at some of Paris’ most beautiful holiday venues.

Rink at Village de Noël des Champs-Elysées
Avenue des Champs-Elysées, 8e, M: Concorde, Charles de Gaulle Etoile, Franklin D. Roosevelt

This ice rink is a popular feature at Paris’ largest Christmas market and is located near one of the city’s most famous and beautiful avenues. The ice rink measures 3,760 m². A toboggan run is also available.

From November 15, 2013 to January 5, 2014
– From Sunday to Thursday from 11:00 to 00:00
– On Friday and the Saturday from 11:00 to 01:00

Admission prices:
– Adults: 10 €
– Children 12 and under: 8 €

Rink at the Hôtel de Ville
Parvis de l’Hôtel de ville, Paris 4e, M: Hôtel de Ville

Two ice rinks can be found in the square in front of the handsome Hôtel de Ville (City Hall), a celebrated example of 16th-century French Renaissance architecture. Children under 6 have a little rink reserved just for them. An ID card is required to rent skates and everyone must wear gloves while on the ice.

From December 21, 2013 to March 2, 2014
– From Monday to Friday from 12:00 to 22:00
– Saturday, Sunday from 09:00 to 22:00
– Free lessons on Saturday and Sunday mornings from 10:00 to 12:00

Admission prices:
– Entrance: Free
– Skate Rental: 5 €

Rink at Trocadéro
Jardins du Trocadéro, Paris 16e, M: Trocadéro

The Trocadéro is known for its picture perfect view of the Eiffel Tower and hosts another of Paris’ festive Christmas markets. You’ll also find a snow park complete with sledding and cross-country skiing.

From December 12, 2013 to January 5, 2014
– Daily from 11:00 to 21:00

Admission prices:
– Entrance: Free
– Skate Rental: 5 €

* photo courtesy of parijsmagazine

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