keeping up with amy: The Holidays in Paris

I won't actually be in Paris for Christmas, but that won't stop me from taking advantage of the winter events in Paris.

Blvd. Haussman

Just like in big cities in the states (and in fact preceding them), the big department stores in Paris have always done their best to decorate for the holidays, and the most important part of that is the design of the store-front windows. So, instead of going to Macy's, etc., in New York, I went to Boulevard Haussman in Paris to see the stores Printemps and Galleries Lafayette.
It was a bit busy on the sidewalks in front of the aforementioned windows, with wooden platforms for the little ones to get a better view, those little ones' strollers still occupying space on the sidewalk and those of us who are merely young at heart trying to squeeze in for a glimpse. But, I must say, it was the ideal of perfection when compared to my last visit to the Macy's windows, with crowds four persons thick barricaded into straight lines up and down 5th Ave., not to mention the general walking traffic trying to make use of what was left of the sidewalk and, even possibly, trying to catch a peek at the windows without taking the time or effort to wait in the corral with all the other cattle.

In order to appeal to every demographic, there was an interesting juxtaposition of animated puppetry and bizarre mannequin displays with a Nordic Winter theme. Commercialism at its creepiest.

Adorable wolves causing havoc.

Creepy mannequin with lots of hair, surrounded by stuffed woodland creatures.

Cute bears taking photos.

Strange mannequins wearing fur.

I also had the fortunate chance to go ice skating in front of the Hôtel de Ville with some friends. We had to wait a week and a half for a nice (rain free) night when we were all available, finally we had a nice, crisp cold night to spend on the ice. It was a busy night at the rink, with plenty of skaters much better and much worse than us.

Here I am, getting my 'ice legs', as Caitlyn called it.

And here's Caitlyn, Jennifer and Christina in front of the Igloo that housed the ice skates and benches for changing into them. I like the igloo. It's a nice touch.