Living Magazine - Winter Edition

FROM THE EDITOR

WELCOME!

The holiday season is upon us and so the team at Living HQ send all our readers and advertisers our warmest wishes - we hope the end of this year and the welcoming of 2023 is happy for all. Like many, our festivities will be taking place with toasts to absent family and friends. The gradual resumption of travel means that we can, at last, see those that we have missed but, in our case, it means that our children can start exploring again too. While I loved our family Christmases through the pandemic, they were tinged with a sense that so many opportunities were being delayed, so I am grateful that our world is once more turning.

Of course, this year has been full of challenges even as the pandemic took a back seat for a while. The war in Ukraine and the suffering caused will be top of mind for many alongside the climate issues. It’s difficult not to be overwhelmed at times by the severity of the problems faced by so many, so it is important to take time out and appreciate what we have around us, family, friends, nature and so much more. We hope, this is where Living comes in as we share our love of the region with you.

So, what do we have in store for you this issue? I have always loved stained glass, as a young child I remember being mesmerised by the colours from a small panel hanging in the window of my Dad’s study. It was, therefore, not a surprise that our timely feature on rather larger examples found here in France has rekindled in me my desire to get out and about visiting some of these sites. For fun, we look at 20 quintessentially French icons and how they came into being - how many will you recognise? We also have a fascinating interview with a therapist who helps children transition to a new country and language, along with her top tips. Something I will definitely be doing this year is making my own Christmas wreath, just turn to our outdoor pages for help and advice. And if you are heading off to the slopes with novices, make sure to read our article about learning to ski in France before you depart. Then there are our usual columns, delicious recipes, news and views so there really is something for everyone to enjoy.

Wishing you a lovely Christmas season and a very Happy New Year,

From the Living Magazine team

CONTENTS

6 - Snippets

Local news from around the region

16 - Pure Alchemy

Roger Moss looks beyond the festive imagery to delve into the mystical qualities of stained glass

22 - Twenty Quintessentially French Icons

Twenty of our favourite objects that shout they are designed and produced in France...

29 - Lay Some Tracks

In France skiing is for everyone - we show you how and where you can join the party

32 - Finding your French Groove

Expert advice on overcoming obstacles children may face as they transition to life in a new country

36 - Practical Advice

Your questions answered

38 - Sunrise Season!

The Hays family find traditions evolve over the years

39 - Puzzle Break

Our unique crossword by Mike Morris

40 - Nikki Legon’s Cuisine

Scrumptious recipes perfect for the whole family

44 - What’s in a Unit?

‘Tis the season to be merry, but everything is best in moderation as Caro Feely explains...

46 - Living Property Pages

We visit Sauzé-Vaussais in Deux-Sèvres

50 - Festive Wreaths

Fashion a delightful Christmas wreath with Rosie Neave

66 - Pardon!

Emma-Jane Lee’s foray into French