December 2025 Recap

• The day we arrived we needed a quick snack for our toddler and popped in Eric Kayser for a financier – they are still the best. A special shoutout to Kayser which was open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Years Day for all of our baguette and pain de mie needs.
• Les Antiquaires. Always.
• Café Nuances is a must for matchas and babyccinos.
• When the line at our favorite galette spot was far too long we decided to try another spot on the same street (there have to be 10+ restaurants). We landed on Crêperie de Quiberon and no shade, but it just wasn’t as good. The following weekend we arrived at La Crêperie de Josselin earlier. It’s just the best – no contest.

• One of my favorite holiday traditions is lunch at Bar Vendôme. The decorations at The Ritz are always among the best in Paris.
• We had drinks at Sant Ambroeus and it was so lovely. I can’t wait to go back for a meal.
• We tried Shin Izakaya which was a wonderful authentic Japanese restaurant.
• I made a very rookie mistake of getting my son a “plain” waffle at Le Bac à Glaces before a school interview. As it turns out there was sugar on the waffle and he was absolutely wired. We don’t usually give him sugar so it really hit hard. Impressive parenting move. But the waffles are to die for…especially with homemade whip cream and salted caramel.
• Went to Le Grand Café for a festive lunch with girlfriends. I need to go for dinner but so far every lunch I’ve had there has been great.
• Bar des Prés was Romain’s request for his birthday lunch. It was delicious as usual!
• We were back in the neighborhood for a birthday drink at Le Bar. Consistently one of our favorite spots for a date night drink.

• Cherry (which the French pronounce as sherry…I love). Great atmosphere. My favorites were the beef tartare toasts with caviar and the chocolate mousse served with a side of cream…I could’ve licked the bowl.
• We had Christmas Eve lunch with the boys at Le Voltaire which will hopefully become a tradition going forward and we were also back for New Year’s Eve. I think New Year’s Eve is so overrated but if I have to go anywhere it’s 100% going to be Le Voltaire.
• We all had a little post-Christmas bug, so the pho from Hanoi 1988 delivered was in order. It’s the closest thing I’ve found to chicken noodle soup in Paris.

Where I Shopped in December

• Tartine et Chocolat on Arlettie. I stocked up on so many things for the baby for the winter including a snowsuit (which we’ve used so much recently), booties like these (which are honestly cute but not practical), the softest cashmere outfit, pants, overalls, and tons of collared onesies which I think is the easiest way to elevate any baby outfit. He has a hand-me-down hooded jacket otherwise I would’ve bought him another. The Arlettie prices are insane.
• Kusmi Tea to restock my Immune Defense Ritual. I continue to swear by this tea. Anytime there’s sickness going around in our house I either completely avoid it or get the most minor version of anyone.
• Romain blocked me from going in Collection La Tourelle because he saw the writing on the wall, but I can’t wait to go back. It’s the coolest boutique started by two mom friends with a “countryside in the city” concept. It’s a mix of vintage and new items from near and far – right up my alley.

• I went to Astier de Villatte to look at their ornaments. I was probably too late as it seemed really picked over, but also their prices have gotten so insane.
• I’m back on Monceau Fleurs for our Christmas tree going forward.
• Le Bon Marché for Christmas ornaments. Our toddler picked out a felt croissant ornament similar to this one which is currently on sale.

• This Holiday Card Book is one of my favorite purchases of the month. I also threw in an extra copy of our wedding invitation because why not.
• I played Santa and went to Kujten for a bandana scarf for my cousin in Oats White. I personally like the small size – I have several colors and literally wear one every day from Fall until Spring.

What I Did in December

• Walked around with my family to look at Christmas lights. It seems so simple but I’m so big on routines that we’re rarely out with the boys after dinner time. It was so much fun walking around without a plan and stumbling upon sweet light displays.
• Decorated our Christmas tree. It took absolutely forever this year but “reuniting” with my ornaments is always one of my favorite days. We adopted a “just look, don’t touch” policy with our toddler which he respected surprisingly well. His favorite was without a doubt the Eiffel Tower ornament, which is currently on sale.
• Every year we put together Christmas boxes for those in need and drop them off as a family. Giving back when you’re able to is so important and it’s something we want to instill in our kids.
• Visited an apartment – the first in our new search. We’re going to have to move this year and finding an apartment in Paris is always…a journey to say the least.
• We celebrated Christmas at home over three nights with Romain’s family. It was absolutely exhausting but I wish we could live it one million times over again. It was cold but absolutely gorgeous and we couldn’t have asked for a better holiday.

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