Lit up for Christmas

In homes, hospitals, villages, towns and cities decorations and lights herald Christmas…

Our "old faithful" little tree at home.

Snowman made with plastic cups in St Nicolas Hospital, Verdun.

Next to the snowman in a hospital corridor.

Winter scene with tinsel on the other side of the hospital corridor.

Above and below - outside the Mairie at Thierville.

Above and below - Magma shop windows in Damvillers.

Late Saturday afternoon, 19th December 2015 at dusk as the lights came on, showing up more than when the sky is dark.  These photos don't show just how busy it was with people and cars in slow convoy through the city centre, but hopefully give a flavour of the Christmas Market and celebrations at Verdun...

Small skating rink on Quai Londres.

A favourite patisserie and cafe where we enjoyed...

...a jug of hot chocolate and cream-filled meringue boules covered in chocolate!

This morning, Sunday the 20th, the view from our window...

By the time we joined in, an hour later, the crowd had trebled.  Papa Noel gave sweets and presents to the children, there were donkey rides in the place for the tinies, horse and cart rides through the town for older children and their families, hot chocolate or hot wine along with cake, chocolates and roast chestnuts.  The event was organised by local volunteers and funded by Credit Agricole Bank and La Poste. It was a happy, festive and social occasion which was enjoyed by all.