While we've never spent Christmas Day in Paris, on many occasions we have been there during mid December and for the week following Christmas. Best advice - GO ! While Paris is the most beautiful city in the world, it's even more gorgeous during the holidays. The streets are all lit in some of the most fantastic lighting I've ever seen. Many times, the city will choose a special artist to do the lighting in Place Vendome. The store windows are incredible. Don't miss Bon Marche, Galleries Lafayette - the windows are all filled with antimatter toys for the kids and have special platforms for the kids to view from. As to being crowded - sure it's Christmas and the crowds are everywhere, mostly shopping. We've never had any difficulty with reservatons - we always make them 2-3 days ahead of time. Both the opera and ballet generally have very good performances then - and read the signs on the various kiosks for a huge number of special musical performances. One New Year's Day, we heard the most wonderful trumpet concerto in the little church right across Pont Double from Notre Dame on the left bank. Don't miss it - it will be a trip you'll talk about for years. Bill Sutherland http://www.tuscanwomencook.com Montefollonico, Italy