Calling France...

[flyingcloud]

I just wanted to wave to all the other MNers who live in France, we seem to have been fairly quiet recently.

I hope you are all well. Anyone who feels like checking in and introducing themselves here can.

I am flyingcloud, married to a Frenchman, living here since April 2009. 1 DD and another DC on the way, living north of Paris.

I still can't get to grips with the bureaucracy and paperwork that comes with living here, but I do love the frequency with which people drink champagne (or cremant).

Hi!
I'm in the Vienne. I've been here 18 months, my husband is English but has lived here 10 years and I moved here when we married.
I like the lifestyle and the weather, I dislike my inability to learn the language, infuriates me and I don't think I'll ever get the hang of it :s

Waves to everyone again.

I hope you all have a lovely Christmas. DH invited his whole family last week as we can't move, so now am overrun but am letting MIL take charge of the cooking.

I would really like a Christmas ham though...

Flyingcloud, there is a British butcher in Normandy that one of DD2's Brit teachers swears by (google British butcher Normandy and he will come up), but probably a bit late for Christmas delivery.

And yes - Merry Christmas everyone!

Certainly too late for Xmas but British Corner Shop have linked up with a butcher and do deliveries of chilled stuff in France (including gammon)

britishcornershop.co.uk/shop.asp (Category Chilled/Fresh)

oh, and merry Xmas everyone. I'm driving from up here in the Lorraine area to Charente Maritime tomorrow morning to spend Christmas with the in-laws. Ho. Ho. Ho.

Ah thank you - I tried British Corner Shop but couldn't find the gammon. Will have another look.

Thanks Queen Lush, am probably heading to Normandy at some point soon so will try that too.

I asked MIL what the menus were for 24/25 so I could make sure we have enough of the basics in, and it turns out we're having boudin blanc on the 25... I don't really mind, but I can't help feeling a bit homesick (no turkey, no stuffing, no ham, no goose but white bloody pudding). :(

I was really looking forward to it being just the three of us and experimenting with trying to ensure we both got our traditions.

OK, am being silly and probably a bit hormonal which I'll blame on being pregnant and nothing to do with silly misplaced Christmas nostalgia.

I'll just eat loads and loads of clementines.

Safe driving Petite Raleuse and everyone else on the roads and try not to fall out with ILs.

Ha ha. I'll try.... Thanks

I should have suffixed that with a and a good luck...

I will be spending Xmas from next year here at home, with any family who wants allowed to come and visit. Won't be making long journey at this time of year again and want to start our own traditions too. DD too young this year so that excuse didn't work...

butcher

We have been SO lucky this Christmas, we discovered a company that will bring shopping over to France to you. You do a Tesco/Waitrose/Asda Internet shop, have it delivered to them then then they put in their special refridgerated van and bring it over within 48hours of delivery. I'm usually very for buying/eating/living French, BUT crumbled at the thought of Christmas pud and crackers I know it's too late for this Christmas but maybe worth a google for similiar in your area for next Christmas?