The Holidays in Paris Part 2: Christmas at Home
Hi friends,
The temperature finally dropped to hibernation levels this past week in Paris. But oddly enough, Christmas Day was full of sunshine. If you didn’t know it was close to freezing temperatures outside, you would have thought that winter was skipped all together.
For my solo Christmas at home, I had so many plans to make cards, knit, mood board, and journal but in the end, I spent most of Christmas day busy cooking in the kitchen.
My Solo Christmas Menu ~
Breakfast: Warm Oatmeal with golden raisins and pumpkin spice mix from Trader Joe’s (purchased back in the US)
Lunch: Creamy Cheddar Broccoli Soup with baguette
Dinner: Steak with roasted garlic, fingerling potatoes, and balsamic baked brussel sprouts
Dessert: Carrot Cake with condensed milk icing
A few of my favorite things
In the end, as long as I wasn’t sick on Christmas day, I knew that I could make the most out of my day at home. As someone who loves catching up with friends, discovering new art galleries, trying new things, and taking content, I always feel too restless to stay at home. There’s always something to do in Paris; it’s never boring. So for once, for me to slow down and enjoy the comforts of being home, it was the best Christmas gift I could give to myself given the circumstances.
After all my cooking and baking, I went for a walk to catch the sunset. While I switched between walking and running, I could barely feel my legs. Every sense felt heightened with the tingling feeling of my body’s warmth trying to overcompensate for the freezing temperature. My mind felt at peace with the realization and understanding for what’s really important: good health, the luxury to be present, and the love and support of friends and family, even if they are not physically with me. Instead of gifts, I got time. Instead of going through the motions of the holiday demands, I got the freedom of choice. All of which, I’m grateful for.
Despite my ability to spend Christmas alone, I do hope next year to be reunited with my family for the holidays. Though, I feel like I’ve been able to come to terms with the costs of being an expat, I’m fully aware that time is not limitless and a tradition like Christmas is all about the gift of time together.
Bisous,
Kiana