This has been the hottest year ever in France. Even now, in mid-December, the temperatures are several degrees higher than normal for this time of the year. The evening news broadcasts show people swimming and lying on the beaches. Winter coats remain in the cupboards. There is little or no snow in the ski resorts. ‘Les élections régionales’ and ‘la conférence sur le climat, COP 21’ also created some heated moments in this month of December. It’s not surprising that the French are only now gearing up for the end of year festivities. The holiday lights have been switched on along les Champs-Élysées and in towns and villages across France, although many displays have been cut back: ‘austérité oblige’ ! ‘Les chocolatiers’ are busy filling pretty boxes with elaborate ribbons, ‘les traiteurs’, ‘les pâtissiers’ and other specialist food shops are taking orders and parents are busy emptying the shelves of toy shops. The weather may not be seasonal, but the holiday spirit is definitely heating up! À Kolibri Languages, nous avons une pensée particulière pour les familles des victimes et les blessés des attentats de Paris du 13 novembre pour qui cette fin d’année sera un moment très difficile. Passez de bonnes fêtes et rendez-vous en 2016 ! Pam Bourgeois
France’s hot December
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