Walls in France: Christmas Eve

Staying up for the 11pm church service on Christmas Eve was a challenge for the Wall family, but well worth it. We had heard that the service was particularly spectacular because of the traditional costumes of the participants and the live ram who lead a cart with a baby lamb down the aisle. It was obvious that the sheep were the big draw to the event...especially for our girls. Unfortunately, Lucie didn't feel well all day, but made to church...she was unable to make it to the processional, however, so Bucky escorted her home. Kathleen and I stayed in our pew and listened to numerous traditional Provencal songs and anticipated the arrival of the sheep. Finally, the entire costumed group left the church together, and then reappeared at the door, starting down the aisle with candles aglow and the sheet in tow. Luckily, Kathleen had her camera with her and was able to document the event. She and I enjoyed about half of the service and a little bit after midnight, she said that she was tired and needed to go to sleep so that Santa could come...so we quietly left the church as the service continued. Tired, yet excited, we marveled about our experience on our short walk home to Place Marcel Bonein. A very memorable Christmas Eve.