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A family from Toulouse, in Haute-Garonne, is taking part in a workshop for writing letters to Santa Claus

In London, the Christmas spirit has already taken hold of the streets.

london, londres, noël, illuminations, londoniens, lumières, allumées, dehors

Key facts

  • A family from Toulouse, in Haute-Garonne, is taking part in a workshop for writing letters to Father Christmas.
  • In London, the Christmas spirit has already taken hold of the streets. Thousands of Londoners and tourists had gathered to celebrate the inauguration…
  • In the United Kingdom, this is called Christmas madness. The English take this spirit so far that fake snow even falls in some streets.

A family from Toulouse, in Haute-Garonne, is taking part in a workshop for writing letters to Father Christmas.

In London, the Christmas spirit has already taken hold of the streets. Thousands of Londoners and tourists had gathered to celebrate the inauguration of the decorations.

In the United Kingdom, this is called Christmas madness. The English take this spirit so far that fake snow even falls in some streets.

Here, everything is nothing but Father Christmas and glowing baubles. The illuminations are lit and the crowd is outside.

In London, the French are charmed and even swept away by this spirit. The season is not limited to shop windows: it wins over visitors from the continent.

The workshop places these visitors at the heart of a tradition that the British capital stages from the first decorations.

According to franceinfo.fr, about ten Christmas markets have already opened their doors in London.

These markets offer the first toasted marshmallows of the season.

The first skating sessions have also begun, according to the same source.

Dig deeper

Where is Toulouse located, in Haute-Garonne?

Toulouse is the prefecture of Haute-Garonne, in southwestern France, and one of the country’s major metropolitan areas.

Why is London at the center of this story?

London, the capital of the United Kingdom, launches Christmas lights and markets very early, drawing residents and visitors, including French people from the continent.

Who is Father Christmas in this tradition?

He is the figure who brings gifts to children; in the United Kingdom, he is known mainly as Father Christmas or Santa Claus.

What is meant by “Christmas madness”?

It is the British enthusiasm for decorations, fake snow and markets from the very start of the festive season.

What is a Christmas market in London?

It is a seasonal outdoor market offering food, hot drinks and festive goods, at the heart of the capital’s illuminations.

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