Never too early for Christmas...

It isn't quite December yet, but it is already Christmas in Paris! The city has turned into a winter wonderland of lights, window displays, Christmas markets, and most of all, the great Christmas spirit that makes this time of year the best.

Today Lauren and I headed to Paris to explore the Christmas market on the Champs-Elysées. We wandered around Paris before sunset so we could enjoy the avenue at its best...at night when all the trees are lit! We went to the Starbucks to enjoy a huge cup of coffee and some munchies we brought from home in big comfy chairs inside the mall. So nice to get out of the cold and have a cup of coffee, just warms you to the core! It was quite cold today.



Come nightfall, the Paris is turned into a city decked out in Christmas lights, trees, and all that fun stuff. Wandered the Christmas markets, saw so many fun craft booths, food places (MUST go back and have these German sausage sandwiches I saw there...omg, to die for), and tons of other fun things to look at. All with the great feel of Christmas. At the end of the avenue they constructed a GIANT bright white ferris wheel, gleeming in the dark backdrop of the Jardin des Tuileries of the Louvre. So magical!



We strolled, met up with another friend, took more pictures and the best part of the Christmas markets, enjoyed a few cups of Vin Chaud, or hot mulled wine. SO GOOD! I really love the drink. Just the epitome of Christmas in a cup. Such a wonderful night out in Paris.



Tomorrow is Thanksgiving back home in The States, I will miss spending time at home with my family in Irvine or at my Uncle's house and helping out in the kitchen. I love cooking, especially helping out my mom who makes GREAT holiday feasts. Though, being here in France with 8 other friends from SDSU, we are hosting our own Thanksgiving feast at a friend who has a house, complete with an oven and a real stove! Thanksgiving wouldnt really workout here in the dorms haha. But we are all really excited. A full menu of all the classics is ready to be prepared. I am going over early to help with the cooking and when others get out of class, they will start trickling over to the house. I am making Vin Chaud and can't wait to enjoy it with everyone! We have become quite the family over here and it will be so nice to spend it together under one roof on a holiday like Thanksgiving.

Take care everyone and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Much love from Paris and a Happy Thanksgiving to you!