Paris Match. Do Christmas lights inspire the child in you?
Amandine Petit. Always, yes! I think Christmas lights are magic, they're a party made of dreams. When we're little, we wonder what time Santa Claus is going to come. We always have the impression that this star that we see shining in the sky is him who is arriving. It's convincing yourself that you've seen Santa Claus! And I believe that the older I get, the more this magical side makes me dream. Although today, I know that this star that shines in the sky is a very beautiful star and that Christmas is above all an opportunity to get together with family. This celebration continues to make me dream because it brings smiles to the faces of the youngest to the oldest and it is a moment of wonder.
The Christmas spirit is very present in your home…
Completely ! I think I will always be a big kid. I don't have that last name, Petit, for nothing. I will always remain a little girl in my head. And it is true that the magic of Christmas is much too beautiful.
Have you already started Christmas preparations at home?
This is a very good question, because I always wonder when we can start putting up our tree and decorating. I was thinking of making my tree at the end of the month. I can't wait, because I love it. Especially since there are lots of little niches in my house. I have a stone house and I think it lends itself really well! On the other hand, last New Year's Day, boom, everything went back to the attic. I am in favor of removing everything very quickly to move on to something else. Starting with the galette des rois (laughs) !
A succession of meals, always looking its best
How is your Oslo cat and your tree living together?
In past years, it went very well. Oslo destroyed a few Christmas baubles for me while decorating the tree, obviously, but nothing too bad! This cat is living his best life in Normandy, he's a star.
Are you more into a large, formal family celebration or a more intimate, casual get-together?
I'm more into fashion in small groups, but, on the other hand, we get dressed! In my family, we rarely have large tables, even if there are quickly 15 of us at the table, I have several meals with my parents, my grandparents, my cousins in turn. I also established the tradition of Secret Santa with friends at home! That evening, it’s obviously raclette. I also like to celebrate Christmas with my agents and the people I work with because the holidays also mean taking the time to thank those around you on a daily basis over a good dinner. And regarding the outfit, I admit that I like to dress up. Isn't that what this expression is dedicated to? Last year my whole family had sequined clothes and I had a red velvet dress. My dad even dressed up as Santa Claus!
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At your place, do we open the packages on the evening of the 24th or the morning of the 25th?
I'm definitely team 25 in the morning! Santa Claus can't come by on the evening of the 24th, it's impossible. We are all eating, the fireplace is lit, the door is closed. This is not possible. At some point, you have to make up your mind, he will perhaps pass through other houses, but not into mine. And even now that I have great-nephews and nieces, it will be the 25th in the morning. It’s more magical to ask yourself “Did he stop by?” when we wake up. And then we unwrap them each in turn, from oldest to youngest.
A basket overflowing with gifts
Since it's not quite magical, how do you go about the gift race?
I'm not going to lie to you, since my election to Miss France, three years ago, I have really become team last minute. The week before Christmas, I start running around wondering “What would they like?”. Except that this is not the right technique at all because everyone has already made their gifts and you are only left with ideas that are out of stock! Fortunately, I'm lucky enough to have a few guardian angels and some very good agents who allow me to have 2-3 excluded at times and that's very cool. Well, now that I've told you that, let it be a lesson to me: this year, exceptionally, I'm planning ahead!
And will it be online or in store?
In store, without any hesitation! In fact, for several years, we have established a little ritual with my dad. We take a day where we both go to Paris, as lovers, to buy gifts for my mother, my sister and various people in the family. We go to the center of Paris, we go see the illuminations and we always have a great time. And what’s nice is that he often gives me THE perfect gift idea for him! Because my father, in a store, is worse than a girl (laughs), he is never short of ideas.
For several years, we have established a little ritual with my dad. We take a day where we both go to Paris, as lovers, to buy gifts.
Amandine Petit
For the others, do you have a list or do you go by feeling?
Often I have a list. I ask my loved ones what would make them happy and I try to find it. But I like to complete this gift with a little something that the person would not have thought of. It could be a small art creation or a voucher for a workshop, an experience or a treatment to do together later in the year, the idea being that we can share a moment outside of the holidays. I find it really very nice, especially since I'm not very materialistic. I prefer to go on a spa weekend with my mother and my sister. Last year, one of my favorite gifts was a voucher for an oenology course in the Louvre cellars. It was incredible!
His greatest gift is called Oslo
Is there a special gift you like to give? A gift from Amandine?
I'm an eternal foodie, so I think there will always be a box of chocolates from me under the tree. But it comes with a condition: open it on the morning of the 25th so that I can enjoy it (laughs).
What is the greatest gift anyone has ever given you?
Oslo, my cat! It's a gift from me, I adopted him just after Christmas, six years ago. I've dreamed of it for a long time and it's truly a gift that makes me happy every day. He gives me so much love! Afterwards, I remember having a baby doll who sucked his thumb and made little noises when I was a child and also a great bike! And one of the most beautiful non-material gifts I received was my title of Miss France, the night of December 19 to 20, 2020. It's a gift that I had never dared to dream of. Wasn't even on my Santa list and that's priceless! Besides, I think that when I have a child, it will be a great joy to give him my first Miss France princess dress. In the meantime, I long for the moment when I can give one to my great-niece.
And the worst?
There aren't any… I think all gifts are too good. Especially since in my family, as we really respect Christmas traditions, we like there to be a mountain of gifts under the tree. So often, we have lots of little gifts, little bits and pieces, but as a result, we have the pleasure of unwrapping lots of packages and a little disappointment is quickly forgotten.
What's on your Santa list this year?
I am looking for a very long coat, which really reaches to the bottom of my feet. The problem is that when you're older, it's complicated to find and I haven't yet found my gem. I also have some beautiful sunglasses in mind to complete my collection. And then, a handbag is always a pleasure so any one will make me happy. To the wise! Oh and I saw a Porsche too (laughs) !
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