🎄 A Christmas in the Village of Les Petits Souris
A Christmas in the Village of Les Petits Souris is a holiday story inspired by the Petit Mice of FrenchGardenHouse. I wrote this story thinking of my little people, who inspired our very first felted mouse collection for the holidays when I became a grandmama.
Not all of you will be enchanted with this post, as it has nothing to do with antiques, French or otherwise. What can I say? I love Christmas, and the childlike magic and wonder of the season! {not all the mice are featured in this story....it's such a wonderful place to live that more kindred mice are moving in to it all the time!}
🎄 A Christmas in the Village of Les Petits Souris
High in the snow-covered hills of Provence, where rooftops sparkle beneath the winter moon, lies a magical little village called Les Petits Souris — The Little Mice. It’s here, in this storybook French village, that our beloved felted mouse ornaments come to life. Each mouse has a name, a story, and a bit of Christmas magic. Together, they remind us that joy, friendship, and love make even the smallest village sparkle brightest at Noël.
🕯 Étienne, the Bell Ringer
At dawn, Étienne scampers through the cobbled streets wrapped in his red wool jacket and green scarf, clutching his shiny brass bell and a petit string of lights to add to the village tree. He’s the official carillonneur of the village — the one who rings the bell to announce the start of Christmas Eve. When his bell rings, candles are lit in every window, the scent of pine fills the air, and the joy of Noël begins to ripple through Les Petits Souris.
🌲 Lili, the Schoolgirl
At the schoolhouse, Lili proudly decorates a small Christmas tree with paper stars and a single silver bell at the top. “For the spirit of Noël,” she whispers each year. Her joy is infectious — and soon, every mouse in Les Petits Souris joins her in singing carols by candlelight.
☕️ Antoine, the Bistro Waiter
Across the square, newly hired Antoine polishes the tiny glasses at Le Petit Fromage, the village bistro. With his red bowtie on, he serves warm cocoa and buttery croissants to friends gathered by the fire. Every Christmas Eve, Antoine stays late so no one in Les Petits Souris feels lonely — because that’s what good French hospitality is all about.
💌 Henri, the Post Mouse
Through the snowy streets comes Henri, delivering notes tied with red ribbon — invitations to the Christmas feast, recipes, and poems to warm the heart. He knows every doorstep and always leaves a sprig of dried lavender tucked beneath the mail, for good luck and friendship in the new year.
🎿 Noèle, the Skiing Mouse
From the mountain above the village, Noèle glides gracefully down the slope in her green jacket and red hat. She’s the adventurer of Les Petits Souris — always returning with pinecones, evergreen sprigs, and the sparkle of snow in her fur. Her stories remind everyone that Christmas magic can be found in the great outdoors, too.
🍬 Madeleine, the Sweetheart of the Village
In Grand-mère's kitchen that smells of sugar and spice, Madeleine ties ribbons around her peppermint candies and star-shaped cookies. Her kindness fills every corner of the village, and she makes sure each friend has a little gift to open on Christmas morning. Some say her peppermints sparkle even brighter than the stars in the sky.
✨ New Friends of Les Petits Souris
The village is never complete without its newest and beloved residents, each adding their own charm.
🎀 Coco, the Holiday Belle
Coco is the heart of Christmas cheer! Dressed in her overalls, with red trim and a big red bow, she hums carols as she decorates every shop window and wreath. By the time Coco finishes, the whole village sparkles like a snow globe come to life.
🌺Fleur & Colette
Sisters whose Maman is the village florist, Fleur & Colette fill the air with the scent of evergreen, holly, and mistletoe. They craft delicate wreaths and floral crowns for the holiday festivities.
🌙Jules
Jules loves decorating, he's already brought a tiny holiday tree to school for Mademoiselle Mimi's desk. As he steps out into the snow-dusted lane, Jules hums a Christmas tune, making spirits bright wherever he goes. Today feels especially magical—the kind of day when even the snowflakes seem to dance along with him.
🩰 Margaux et Maëlys
These creative sisters love ballet and decorating. They are excited about tonight's performance, and have decorated the windows and doors of the town hall with paper stars, ribbons, and tiny sparkling lights. Their laughter is a melody that fills the village.
🎁 Maxime, the Mischievous Nephew
Every village needs a rascal, and Maxime fills the role perfectly. Last year he replaced the nativity hay with spaghetti — but his laughter makes it impossible to stay cross for long. This year, he’s promised to behave. Almost.
☃️Lucien & Raphaël
Lucien & Raphaël bring winter fun to the village — skiing, sledding, and snowball fights. Sometimes just chasing each other is all the fun they need! Their adventurous spirits make everyone smile.
🎁 Colette & Valentin
Fashion forward twins, Colette & Valentin are the gift-givers of the village. From hand-wrapped presents to tiny packages of sweets, they ensure every resident feels loved during Christmas. They give with a merry heart, and each gift is accompanied with a hug.
🌟 Christmas Eve in Les Petits Souris
As Étienne rings the bell one final time, all the mice gather in the village square. Antoine serves warm cider, Madeleine’s sweets glimmer on trays, Henri delivers the last letter — “Joyeux Noël, avec amour.”
Fleur & Colette hang the final mistletoe, Jules lights the last lantern, Margaux & Maëlys hang tiny stars, Lucien & Raphaël chase each other in the snow, and Colette & Valentin present gifts to everyone.
Coco’s finishing touches make the village sparkle like a snow globe. Snow drifts gently over rooftops, and for one perfect night, Les Petits Souris is a village brimming with joy, friendship, and holiday magic.
✨ Bring the Magic Home
Each of these darling felted mice ornaments from FrenchGardenHouse tells a part of this story — a story of friendship, charm, and Christmas wonder. All pieces are handcrafted with wool-felt, each with its own little story. They all have a different story, and together make up a sweet collection for the holidays.
They are made in Kathmandu under fair trade conditions of 100% organic wool, by hand, then brought to life by our beloved Parisian Atelier. They make great gifts, a sweet topper on a package, tree ornaments, or just placed here and there for a touch of childlike wonder, and suit your French-country home. {these mice adore antiques!!}
Although this isn't my usual blog post, I hope you have enjoyed this little peek into the childlike wonder of French holidays! Next time, I'll be back to more adult conversations.
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