Christmas has come to the Elysee Palace, the official residence of the French leader. And making her first public appearance since the birth of her little girl Giulia, the country's first lady was glowing with happiness. Carla Bruni-Sarkozy has been in virtual seclusion since welcoming a longed-for daughter with her husband Nicolas Sarkozy on October 19.
But this week she got into the festive spirit unveiling an impressive tree laden with decorations for an excited group of youngsters about the same age as Aurelien, her son from a previous relationship. Mother of two Carla also read stories as her young guests listened attentively. The Sarkozys will, no doubt, have a large private family gathering this Christmas.
As well as Giulia, her husband is the proud father of three boys from his two previous marriages and also a grandfather because his son Jean, 24, has a little boy. It will be a wonderful opportunity for him to enjoy the new arrival. Although President Sarkozy has declared himself a 'breastfeeding expert', paternity leave has been out of the question. For the last few weeks, the Eurozone crisis has dominated his agenda. The politician apparently even missed the birth because he was in Frankfurt meeting Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel.
