Christmas in Lyon - Gatherings (1)

Christmas Potluck at AVF



Anna sat next to Mei, a friend in AVF, at a lunch, and Mei mentioned she was putting together an impromptu party at the AVF office – were we planning to come? After a very, very short consultation, we said, “Absolutely!”


Each guest/couple/family was to bring a wrapped gift, a beverage and either a dessert or a “savory.” We took a small package of chocolate “bottles” filled with various liqueurs, a Grand Cru Alsatian Riesling, and a plate of deviled eggs. The gift was to cost two euros or less; that’s a tough price restriction! Ours was just under three, and it didn’t look like many others were able to comply either. The buffet included a variety of foods with some interesting ethnic dishes, and the beverages covered a wide range, as well. (What a great way to try a variety of locally available, inexpensive wines!)





  After we had all eaten too much and taken the opportunity to chat with lots of people, Mei announced it was time for carols and passed around sheets of lyrics to the usual songs. We managed to get through the entire “Twelve Days of Christmas” (no small feat!) and moved on to a verse and a chorus of “Jingle Bells,” and finished with “Deck the Halls.”  (That's Anna on the far left, and Mei is the tall woman with short hair in the middle.)


Then it was time for the present exchange! It was fun to see the variety of imaginative gifts – everything from Metro tickets, to candy, to small figurines… We got a package of “Bien Etre” tea which is an herb tea with peppermint, chamomile, and other good stuff. (Anna is enjoying it.)


With an exchange of warm wishes to one and all, we were on our way home.

We celebrated with several different groups of people and in several different locations.  All of them unique to our stay in Lyon.  We thought we’d share some with you…