I was in Monoprix (French grocery store) today and wasn’t surprised to see that they’ve already begun putting out the Christmas decorations, cards, and toys. That’s right : Christmas. No we haven’t had Halloween yet, nor Thanksgiving, but as I explain to at least one person back home every year, these holidays don’t really exist in France…but we expats still celebrate.

Halloween : Ah what fun. Trick or treating, fall festivals, pumpkin patches. In France however, Halloween is regarded as an "American" holiday that the French really didn’t know about until the mid nineties, and now that they know, they think it's just about commercialism. So sadly (for some), Halloween has never really caught on here, at least not the way we are used to celebrating it back in the States. I went to a costume shop in the 9th and the line was a mile long. I was encouraged and discouraged at the same time. Most of the people waiting in line were French students and other expats, who will attend parties at expat bars or with friends. There won’t be any trick or treating though. People don’t do it here, at least not from house to house, but sometimes it is done from store to store, and it’s not very fun in my opinion.

If you are in Paris this year, there are a few places you can hang out, in your costume and all. We usually go to Hard Rock Cafe (my favorite)-all costumes allowed, kid friendly ; or The Frog and Rosbif (good atmosphere, especially the Bercy location). Another popular place (not for the kiddies) is The Moose (two for one beers all night). Probably the best option is to host your own event and make it a costume party. It still might not feel like it would back home, but then again, maybe it'll be even better: At least no one will roll your yard or throw eggs on your car, right? Well...hopefully not.

Comments (0)