Friday, December 21, 2007

Christmas trees


Christmas without a Christmas tree would not really be Christmas! Parisians homes - especially those with children - are very fond of them and that is why you literally have forests of trees in front of each florist at the moment. Depending on their size and type (Epicea or Nordmann) - they cost on average between 50 and 100 €. Pretty expensive for a tree that will only last until early January, but it is such a nice tradition. Another tradition is the one of Christmas gifts, and believe me, this year, I have never been this late!!

14 comments:

  1. Interesting! We spend about $75-$100 every year on a 6-8 foot tree, and I'm more than happy to pay it. I love everything about the season, even the shopping!

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  2. I've been posting my tree too Eric! But goodness, i only paid £10 for it and it's beautiful.

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  3. I may not be paying any attention here in America, but I don't recall seeing trees sold at florist shops.
    I have seen trees sold in big lots in the cities. Also, there are tons of them being sold at the entrance of the 96th street subway station in New York.
    Any trees being sold at the entrance of the Concorde metro?

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  4. Why the Little Angel is at the top of the Christmas Tree ...

    On Christmas Eve Santa Claus was getting ready for his annual trip. As he pulled his favorite pair of red pants on, they ripped. He went to check on the other preparations. The elves were on strike. The reindeer had were sick. At this point, Santa was bummed out. He went into the kitchen to take a calming drink, and the bottle was empty. Now he was really mad. All of sudden, there was a knock at the door. Santa ignored it. There was another knock. When the knock came again, Santa--filled with rage--threw open the door. Standing there was a little angel who said, "Hi Santa! What do you want me to do with this Christmas Tree?"

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  5. LOL Jeff. I'm so glad you're around after all this time so I don't have to find all of the corny jokes!

    If I didn't know that the white stuff on the trees in the photo was plastic netting to make the tree manageable to get home, I'd think it was the webbing of a kind of work we get on trees in Florida. Cool effect in the photo.

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  6. Ah, there is that C word again ;)

    As I get older, I care less and less for Xmas. The spirit is almost completely gone, and of course, there is that incessant running around to get the gifts, to give the gifts, to run and return the gifts...

    OK, maybe I'm being a little negative about it. Nothing that a glass of eggnog or two can't fix, eh? x-D

    Trees are expensive! This year I I'm sticking glue-it thingies up on the window instead.

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  7. Hey Lynn I totally agree, your tree is so pretty!
    It´s lovely to see the Xmas spirit coming around, it´s always a very nice time of the year.

    I wish all my dear friends here a very merry Christmas! Joyeux Noêl!

    Eric at least for me one of the reasons this year was special was because of all the love I got from PDP. You´re all fantastic people and I´m very happy to have met you!!!

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  8. I have to be honest. This year, the best thing about Christmas is 2 weeks off with no students! My students are great, and I love them, but I need some time away from them. :) And what better way to enjoy the time than to have my 3 year old nephew and my 1 year old niece climb all over me? I find I enjoy Christmas more these last couple of years, to see everything through their eyes. Joyeux Noël, tout le monde, et bonne année!

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  9. Blimey

    50 to 100 Euros for a Christmas Tree! Ouch!

    Mine cost £15 and I though that was a bit pricey!

    Seasons Greetings to everyone!

    Keep up the good work in 2008, Eric!

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  10. LOL Tomate! I almost mentioned using the "C" word when I posted, but thought maybe it would slip in without anybody noticing. Silly me.

    I agree Monica, it was great meeting you and your hubby in Paris, Tomate, Ham & Mrs. Ham, Jeff, Johnny Parsons, Nahal...Wow, when you add it all up, I wonder how many other bloggers actually get together in person.

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  11. Though I don't have a tree this year I have to admit there is still something magical about a beautifully decorated Christmas tree or even a small simple one shining in a window. I do enjoy looking into the windows of apartments and homes where people have arranged their tree for all to see. I guess it compensates for my lack of interest this year. They are commonly sold in lots here in SF, but there are many florists that sell them, and they also sell "live" ones as well.

    In the book "Paris to the Moon" by Adam Gopnik he tells about his first Christmas tree in Paris and how he couldn't figure out how to put the strands of lights on the tree. Very funny!!

    Monica..It's true about PDP, as this is the only blog I check out everyday[when I can]to see what's new!! Joyeux Noel to all the "virtual" PDP community!!!

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  12. I don't know what the conversion rate is but here an average cut or dead tree is about $80.00 US Dollars. Live ones are considerably more.

    For us old folks, it is a weary time of year. So as it winds down may I wish you and your family a very happy and healthy holiday and a prosperous new year.

    Abraham and Patty Lincoln
    Brookville Daily Photo
    Brookville, Ohio USA

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  13. I have very fond memories of the 2-3 foot trees in front of the Florist just down the street from the hotel when we were in Paris for Christmas three years ago.

    We paid $100 USD for an 8 foot (about 2 meter) fir tree. Very nice top quality tree.

    Merry Christmas!

    DG

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  14. This year I got a permit to go cut down our own tree from a national forest. The tree looks terrible and we still ended up using our artificial tree from IKEA. See my blog for a photo of me with my son and the tree. P.S. Great blog!

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