The winter has officially nipped Paris in the bum - yes it's freezing here folks! But do not fear as there is plenty happening to keep us all feeling warm and fuzzy on the inside. For starters, 'tis the season of festivities and shopping (well, that's pretty much all year round for Paris) so with Christmas and Hanukkah in the air the city of lights is simply oozing with more lights making walking around the city at night a feast for the eyes. However, for those searching a feast for their bellies, a brisk walk along the lower part of the Champs Elysees will greet you with a very cool Christmas market with every second hut selling Belgian waffles, pancakes and crepes...and I'm talking serious nuttela here.The shops are open generally 7 days a week during the holiday season and the streets are packed with avid shoppers, my favorite is the Marais neighborhood where even a friendly 'pere noel' will stop to give directons to lost tourists (and who said the French weren't friendly?)During the 8 days of Hanukkah, a candle is lit at different landmarks around the city one of which is at the Eiffel Tower. Expect to hear lots of music, dancing on the street and free donuts being handed out!After a night of indulging in these 'forbidden' holiday delights, I recommend a bit of exercise in the form of ice-skating. As tradition has it every December, in front of Hotel de Ville a little slab of pleasure comes to life with an ice-skating rink, merry-go-rounds, and of course more food. This is a must for the romantic at heart. Though if you're not the skating type, it can still be quite amusing to spend an afternoon with your loved one watching skaters fall on their bums....