Friday 14 December 2007

Marché de Noël

Yes, the season is upon us and like all the other Mum's I will be in the market place come Monday. We may even have some snow according to the Meteo, just to add that festive touch. All the school children have been working hard creating gold painted angels from pasta, hand-made Christmas cards and dough baked tree decorations.

My son has been going around singing Petit Papa Noël for the last 3 weeks ,(see below for lyrics), and the man himself is due to put in an appearance on the last day of school. Apparently, one quick witted little chap last year noticed that Petit Papa Noël sported the same shoes as the headmaster! That was explained away as both gentlemen having extremely good taste.

Well all that remains is for me to wish everyone, everywhere a Very Merry Christmas or as we say round here Joyeux Noël.

Petit Papa Noël

C'est la belle nuit de Noël
La neige étend son manteau blanc
Et les yeux levés vers le ciel
À genoux, les petits enfants
Avant de fermer les paupières
Font une dernière prière.

Translation

It's a beautiful Christmas night
Snow spreads its white coat
And eyes lift toward the sky
On their knees, small children
Before closing their eyes
Say a last prayer.


Petit papa Noël
Quand tu descendras du ciel
Avec des jouets par milliers
N'oublie pas mon petit soulier.
Mais avant de partir
Il faudra bien te couvrir
Dehors tu vas avoir si froid
C'est un peu à cause de moi.

Translation

Little Santa Claus
When you come down from the sky
With thousands of toys
Don't forget my little stocking.
But before you leave
You should dress well
Outside you will be so cold
And it's kind of my fault.


Le marchand de sable est passé
Les enfants vont faire dodo
Et tu vas pouvoir commencer
Avec ta hotte sur le dos
Au son des cloches des églises
Ta distribution de surprises.

Translation

The sandman has passed
The children are going to sleep
And you will be able to begin,
With your sack on your back,
To the sound of church bells,
Your distribution of surprises.

Refrain

Il me tarde que le jour se lève
Pour voir si tu m'as apporté
Tous les beaux joujoux que je vois en rêve
Et que je t'ai commandés.

Translation

I can't wait for sunrise
To see if you brought me
All the lovely toys that I see in my dreams
And that I ordered from you.


Refrain

Et quand tu seras sur ton beau nuage
Viens d'abord sur notre maison
Je n'ai pas été tous les jours très sage
Mais j'en demande pardon.

Refrain

Translation

And when you are on your beautiful cloud
Come first to our house
I wasn't always very good
But I ask for your forgiveness.


Refrain