Why Won't There Be a Champs-Elysees Christmas Market This Year?

Studying current events helps to bring families together and helps parents know what is going on in their children's hearts and minds. That's why each week in our newsletter, we equip homeschool families to discuss the issues of the day with our Hot Chocolate and Current Events spotlight. 

On the Map & Key Terms
This week, we take you to Paris, France to the Champs-Elysees (shahn-zay-lee-ZAY) for another seasonal Hot Chocolate and Current Events. We take a look at European Christmas markets, staples of cities and villages across the continent, where people can buy hot drinks, handmade crafts, and delicious confections. 

Read this article and consider the following questions for discussion:
https://www.thelocal.fr/20171108/why-there-wont-be-a-christmas-market-on-the-champs-elysees-this-year

• Begin by discussing the concept of Christmas markets with your students. What is appealing about them? Are there similar markets around where you live--why or why not? Why do you think Europeans like Christmas markets? Would you have liked to experience the Champs-Elysees market?
• Who decided to shut down the 2017 market and why?
• Do you think it was a good idea for the fairground workers to protest by blocking the streets? Why do you think they were so upset? (Note: Campion did lose his appeal in court)
• What kinds of things were being sold at the market, and what kinds of things did Jean-Francois Martins say should be sold? 
• Do you think that the goods sold at the Champs-Elysees market should be "made in Paris"? Why or why not? What kinds of good do you imagine city officials are thinking of? Can you give examples of things you think tourists and Parisians would like to buy? 
• If your city or town held a Christmas market, what do you think should be sold there? 
• Do you think Campion made some bad or unethical decisions as a businessman? 
• Would you want to work with Campion if you were the mayor?
  
• How could both Campion and the mayor have handled the situation differently? 

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