Christmas Eve Plus

The creche at the front of the church

I reluctantly got myself ready and out of the house for the 6:00 church service.  I am glad that I went.  Because there's no musician in the congregation, they rely on recorded music and tonight it was a Bach Christmas.  The service was very simple--nobody preached a sermon or made anyone feel bad for not attending except at Christmas and Easter.  There were readings; each was followed by a piece of Bach.  The first and last readings were presented in French, another in Spanish, another in Occitan and another in English.  It was a simple, beautiful service.  I love the beauty and power of words and music.  Afterward there was vin chaud--hot wine.  

Rudolph is one happy guy

On my way there and home again,  I passed through Place Gambetta.  Rudolph and Santa were busy with the children.  Stores were still open when I went and just closing when I came back home.  I can tell you that my butcher worked a very long and very hard day today.  A few of the huts at Gambetta were closed, but the ones that were still open to serve the crowd were doing a brisk business. 

I love this tree

 I wanted one more picture of the silver tree--I just love that tree, and the blue swoops of lights in the trees. I am afraid I will forget what they look like.  As I snapped photos, I was treated to a fireworks display.  It captured perfectly the way I feel about Carcassonne, Christmas, and indeed my life right now.  Celebratory!

Love the reds and the greens of the fireworks

        And the police stopped traffic while this went on; it wasn't lengthy and nobody seemed to mind.

I know that it's a little blurry, but I kind of like that effect.