Christmas in Paris

We had an unusually quiet Christmas this year - no parties, no guests from out of town, just us and the two kids. Quite relaxing, especially since both kids have been at the Centre do Loisirs most days. We thought of keeping them home and sleeping in, particularly since most school days we wake up in the dark, even though it is almost 8 o'clock. But when we do keep them home they usually become bored by 10 o'clock. They have much more fun at the Centre with their friends and the planned Sorties.

We did though take a day and finally renew E's passport which has been expired for six months. Five years passes fast, and she now has a passport that looks like her, rather than the one with a six-week-old-baby-with-eyes-closed-picture, that over the years bore has come to bear little resemblance to the little girl she has become.

Security at the US embassy has become tighter than the airport. My husband unfortunately brought his laptop. No laptops are allowed, so it seems. And since both parents must sign the child's passport we were in a quandary. The security guards suggested we leave it at a nearby cafe or store (since they refused to hold on to it). Luckily there was some sort of event across the street, so we left it at their coat check. What sort of event? I have no idea - particularly since it was 10AM. But it worked. But before we could enter, we were thoroughly searched. They confiscated our watches, cell phones, belts, change, my compact, chewing gum, and put it in a ziplock freezer bag, to be collected when we were done. Basically all the refuse on the bottom of my bag (next time I will remember to clean my bag).

Several hours later - and a thorough interrogation (of us and our daughter - who doesn't speak much), we left. We walked past the Grand Roue up to the Place Madeleine for lunch. After lunch we went window shopping on the Faubourg St Honore. We went briefly into the Prada store. There was a "private sale": 40% off. I tried on a black wool coat with a ruffle down the center. With the discount, still too expensive. I admired several bags and then we left. We had lunch at what I can only describe as a French Diner: busy, cheap French food, and waiters in white aprons.

The next day, lodged in the branches of our too large xmas tree, was a shiny, large blue and gold envelope. I didn't notice it the entire evening, so J finally had to point it out to me. Or I had noticed it at one point, but was distracted (probably by a screaming/crying child) and forgot about it. My very generous husband had noticed me salivating in the Prada store, and had gotten me a substantial gift card for...Prada! Just what I wanted..but perhaps too much, too decadent? Especially given the economic times, it seemed a little obscene. And especially, since just that day, we had gone to the Knoll store and purchased my dream dining room table: a white, marble, tulip table. I am more frugal (cautious) but J talked me into it - "it is an investment", he reasoned. Perhaps. We had (thankfully) a good year, but we also tend to forget to save. Next year, next year, that is my/our resolution.

Not to say that I felt so guilty, that I didn't go out the very next day and use up my entire gift card in 20 minutes. I planned on waiting but couldn't. I made it to 11Am, then hopped on the subway to the Franklin Roosevelt stop and the Avenue Montaigne. I needed the larger, more extravagant, Prada store, to fully savor the decadent, frivolity.

Next year we will economise. We will be frugal. But it was a great treat. Since the kids were born, I have foregone such indulgence and have forgot how fun a little luxury can be.