For this Covid-19 vintage Christmas Eve, the number of guests at Edwige will melt like snow in the sun.
“Usually we are 40, between children, parents, brothers and sisters, nieces, nephews… We are a big family, we get along really well.
But this year, we go to 9 and it makes children laugh a lot less.
It will be less festive, we did well to take advantage of it last year!
»Laughs this 52-year-old temporary worker in front of the Barbie department at the JouéClub Village on boulevard des Italiens in Paris (2nd district).
Due to the pandemic, she hardly saw herself having a party at 40 in her apartment.
For health reasons obviously, but not only.
“With respect to neighbors, it's embarrassing, we can't from a civic point of view,” says the one who has decided to reunite her small family circle in a house in the countryside.
The presence of her mother-in-law is uncertain.
"She is invited of course, but she has just entered an nursing home so we don't know if she will be able to leave", she explains.
Zoom New Years Eve
Claudie, a 67-year-old pensioner, who usually wakes up with her daughter and her two sons but also her sister from Angers and her offspring, will also drink in a small committee.
“It's a Christmas that has nothing to do with usual.
I am going to go to one of my three children who has a large terrace with heating in the suburbs.
We are not going to have a royal banquet, ”she describes.
She doesn't make a big deal out of it.
"You have to be careful and know how to be reasonable in life," she blurted, figurines of a family of rabbits in hand intended for grandchildren.
No “royal banquet” this year for Claudie, who is right ./LP/Jean-Baptiste Quentin
This year, Julien, 38, will not devour oysters and turkey with his parents who live in Burgundy.
“They are 75 years old, I wouldn't want to be guilty of passing the virus on to them.
We will zoom in as an aperitif with them and we will see them in January if the health situation improves ”, projects this office worker from Puteaux (Hauts-de-Seine).
It is therefore at home, with his wife and two children aged 7 and 10, that the mountain of gifts will be found at the foot of the tree.
"We will be able to appreciate this moment when the children open them more," he says positively.
The evening of December 24 at four also has its virtues and its magic.
“Usually the Christmas holidays are not the most relaxing.
But there, we will enjoy the tranquility in our cocoon, ”he breathes.
Tests before Christmas to reassure
Guillaume and Céline, a couple of young four-wheelers, will open the champagne in their country house located in the Perche.
But not huge tables as in normal times.
"We will be 7 adults and 7 children", calculate this consultant and this management assistant.
To reassure the elderly, they planned to "get tested".
They also simplified logistics in order to "limit travel".
“Before, we each did the shopping.
This time, we centralize, ”they detail.
Despite the epidemic context, this Christmas promises to be merry.
“It will be different, there will be fewer of us, but we will still be celebrating.
I don't intend to drink less alcohol, ”laughs sir.
Guillaume and Céline still plan to spend a festive Christmas./LP/Jean-Baptiste Quentin
As in the past, Ghislaine, 64, is going to receive her children and grandchildren.
"Grandpa and grandma will not go eat the log in the kitchen," she warns, alluding to the words of a professor of medicine that sparked controversy last week.
No change on the menu, but precautions.
“We will provide gel and we will avoid hugs,” she agrees in front of an army of Playmobil.
Newsletter - Most of the news
Every morning, the news seen by Le Parisien
I'm registering
Your email address is collected by Le Parisien to enable you to receive our news and commercial offers.
Learn more
For Bruno, 58, this Christmas will be identical to the previous ones.
“I will spend it only with my daughter.
I am anti-family.
Containment is a godsend, I have no one in the paws.
The more peace I have, the better off I am, ”he enthuses.
