The Last of the Christmas Gifts Part 1!!!

We open all of the last of our Christmas gifts before we finally take down the tree. There were so many that we've had to split this gift opening into several parts! We have been thoroughly spoilt and you've made us all feel very loved. It's been overwhelming to receive such thoughtful, creative gifts.
In 'Cadeaux at the Chateau', all of the inhabitants of the Chateau de Lalande gather together to open beautiful gifts that people have sent from all over the world. All of the monetisation from these videos will be donated to a different charity each month. KZbin earnings fluctuate wildly each month, as ad revenue changes throughout the year. Here are the charities that we've donated to so far:
July 2020:
British Heart Foundation UK (in memory of my father) €634
August 2020:
Alzheimer's Research UK (in memory of all of the residents of my parents' nursing homes) €350
September 2020:
Prostate Cancer Foundation (in memory of Selmar's father) €1255
October 2020:
Medecins sans Frontieres (chosen by my mother to support vaccinations in Africa) €942 (equivalent to 426 cholera vaccinations)
November & December 2020:
A Lalande Fashion Scholarship for a student at the Villioti Fashion Institute in South Africa €5500 (€4087 raised so far, the rest will be raised in January and February, and I will make up the difference myself if we fail to hit that target)
I used to show the gifts as part of 'The Chateau Diaries' episodes, but you're all so very generous that we have many gifts, and if we spent the episodes opening them, we wouldn't be able to show you other aspects of chateau life! So, for those of you who enjoy watching presents being opened, and as a way to thank those of you who were kind enough to send them, I've made this new channel. Every week we will film your beautiful gifts whilst enjoying afternoon tea or aperitif together.
It is very important to me that you know that we in no way expect anyone to send us gifts. I would like to go further than that and add that, if doing so will put you in any financial difficulty whatsoever, please, please do not send us anything. Knowing that you join us by watching 'The Chateau Diaries' gives us all an enormous boost. But for those of you who have sent these incredibly thoughtful gifts, I hope that seeing us open them gives you a fraction of the joy that you've given us, and that by monetising this channel for charity we can pass on that joy to others 💖💖💖
If you would like to see more of our life at the chateau, please go to our main 'Chateau Diaries' channel:
/ thechateaudiaries

[@aliceallan4753]

Im so happy you enjoyed the gifts and bottles of bubbly. The treasure box is 100 years old, a keep sake for your treasures.

[@mparker6823]

That was such an elegant and thoughtful gift, Alice!

[@francesaggarwal22]

It's such a beautiful box!

[@aliceallan4753]

@@mparker6823 Thank you so much!

[@aliceallan4753]

@@francesaggarwal22 Thank you so much!

[@aliceallan6109]

@@sarahburton3110 Thank you so much!

[@RoseBehar]

I am a loyal viewer of the Chateau Diaries and Chateau Unwrapped but first time commenter! It has truly kept my spirits up through some difficult times and I am so grateful for that. I saw comments on the last few uploads that were needlessly negative and judgmental and I just wanted to say to those who are posting this way: please don't bring that to these channels. We are all looking for little bits of joy, and the Lalanders bring that to us with impressive regularity. Remember that you are only seeing small snippets of their lives, and please let go of the judgments--the truth is, the more critical you are of others, the more critical you are of yourself and that's a miserable way to live. We're all doing the best we can, let's just celebrate the small joys and triumphs of life and forgive the imperfections in ourselves and others as we strive each day to behave kindly and with empathy--just as the Lalanders do.

[@aleta5873]

Rose Behar, well said !

[@Jayrose59]

Beautiful beautiful words. Thank you thank you 🌹🌹🌹

[@peggyvick935]

A big AMEN✅ Isn’t it sad how people have become so miserable, they want to push it off on EVERYTHING good. Sadly, I believe it is the difference between good vs evil. I also believe there are PAID TROLLS, who spread misery. As Stephanie’s LaLanders, we will NOT tolerate this ‼️ I missed that or you bet I would have said something. We must all STAND UP against the mean behavior in the World. Have a blessed 2021.

[@bernadenecarr5418]

Nicely said and very true :)

[@erikakiss8855]

Well said!

[@MrPrentissDJones]

We are patiently waiting, and excited. Who saw the interview with Stephanie Jarvis 🇬🇧 🇫🇷 & Curtis Ryan Woodside 🇪🇬

[@AndersBu]

I did ! ❤️it .

[@merryllthomas808]

I did! Was lovely!

[@kathleenquinlan3387]

I did loved it x

[@lindaloo5980]

I did! I asked her the favorite gin question!

[@kdean9537]

I did, it was wonderful!

[@squirrelswithpearls]

Philip's pure unapologetic glee from woodland animals is JOY!

[@kathrynnaughton4787]

I always cry at these, because you all are so thankful for all that you receive and the people that send Lalande all of these gifts are so thoughtful and the gifts are magnificent~in the plate frames, you should put all of the pictures of the Lalande animals, like ruby, ian's, desiel, and the rams that would be so cute as they could change many times

[@MsLinda165]

Love that Jedi moment when Phillip says "Mandy will go for the green", and Mandy replies "I will go for the green". Lol Neat Jedi Mind trick.

[@ra_jcat6607]

Mandy mentioned before that she loves the color green😊

[@michellehaynes7055]

I only have my daughter and I only have 1 or 2 friends so I dont get gifts and I dont get to enjoy people's company so I enjoy watching you all open the amazing thoughtful gifts that so many beautiful people send you. I do hope Sundays at the chateau makes a return as I cant get enough of you all. I've been watching your vlogs for over 18 months now and im so happy that you share your fantastic life, amazing family and Beautiful friends with us. You have kept me sane in lockdown and you made me smile every vlog. Thanks stephanie and thank you to everyone at the chateau and a thank you to all the people who help make this all so fantastic. Big hugs and best wishes from Melbourne Australia 🇦🇺🦚🦔🐓🐕🐈

[@lrlasvegas6427]

Michelle haynes, I would love to send a gift to you! 🙂🎁

[@Jayrose59]

Sundays at the Chateau will be back. Stephanie just needed a break after the advent series. 😍😍😍 PS: I love Melbourne. Hello from Wellington, New Zealand.

[@lekkervol]

Im a single mom of 2 Grown-up kids and not that many "true" friends im in quarantaine for almost a year(because of my astma) im watching the vlogs from day 1 and its feel like that i have gather so may friends...I dont feel this lonely anymore

[@riomcgonigle]

Nati - what a genuine beautiful lady

[@bloomingnut23]

So much unrest here in USA. Your videos give me a sense of peace that life is still good. Thank you for the smile's

[@patricianathan4676]

Yes be positive, 🤗

[@GRANDIPRGROUPTravel]

It is very important to me that you know that we in no way expect anyone to send us gifts. I would like to go further than that and add that. I think most of us know that now, however I - can only speak for myself - love giving gifts. Seeing them opened gives me IMMENSE joy

[@merryllthomas808]

Omw! I'm the same!

[@ra_jcat6607]

I like it that Mandy is more comfortable in front of the camera..

[@chasethecat3839]

Yes and I'm happy you mentioned it. TY

[@maritapersdatterolufsen5174]

I've got a sugestion about the emty teaboxe's: use them to store christmas decoration in. Then you can reuse them all,and delicate christmas ornament's will be safe in the tins. 😊

[@jamesjeffery7875]

ITS AMAZING WHAT YOU DO TO CHATEAU SELMAR DUIN VERY CLEVER.

[@Winton46]

Once again couldn’t choose a favourite people come up with such lovely gifts I loved the angel for the chapel xx

[@candacelindquist1805]

Picture of the Volunteer of the month and then a picture of the 3 best dishes they made!

[@stefaniesombaty8980]

I love how Alice Allen's gift was put together so that it was to have drinks and the snacks all served together for a wonderful cocktail hour...or two..or three..etc......

[@chasethecat3839]

Or a Cadaeux at the Chateau

[@carriemoriarity5806]

I looked it up = 395 euros plus shipping.

[@jimm8682]

Even though Christmas has come and gone, tender , caring an boozy gifts are always nice to see. Selmar is so sweet, and we are looking forward to part two of the final Christmas gift opening.

[@jenniferhill8233]

Nati is so me ... "I like everything" LOL

[@Engelhafen]

I wouldn’t recommend storing any book, esp a 1924 one in a car. The humidity and temp extremes would be very detrimental to it.

[@chrismaraccini8108]

I was thinking the same.

[@pw4075]

"Sledgehogs" ... I can't stop giggling!!

[@lynnoliver9423]

OMG Stephanie you are the luckiest person in the world. I do love all your blogs but all those lovely presents; oh I wish I lived at La La Lande or worked there. You are so so lucky people are so kind to you xx

[@lisaakinlabi]

As someone who never or rarely receives a gift, I find this so fun to see the thoughtful items you are gifted. So many kind people!

[@lrlasvegas6427]

Lisa Akinlabi, where do you live? I'll send you one! 😃🎁

[@lisaakinlabi]

@@lrlasvegas6427 AAwww so sweet - no need, but your gesture is appreciated - kindness is always welcome :)

[@peggyvick935]

I am sorry. Sending big grandma hugs, love & prayers. ❤️

[@riomcgonigle]

Mandy well done with excellent filming skills you are a star ⭐️

[@eastcoastartist]

I enjoyed this so much!

[@rebekahlow8375]

I've really enjoyed all the Christmas videos!!!!!!!!!!!! Love from Vermont

[@moiragoldsmith7052]

This has been the longest Christmas... I am loving it!

[@robinchurch5658]

Thank you so much for stretching out Christmas a little longer! It’s so appreciated, especially since I already packed up my decorations. Your joy is contagious🤗

[@sophiaw.7356]

Nati looking as fab as always.

[@darylpenner5763]

So fun, that I had to pour myself a Glenmorangie in a proper crystal Scotch glass. It is -5°C at this time. On the Westcoast (of Illinois) due west of Chicago. Thoroughly enjoying all your vlogs.

[@mychristmasemporium5927]

Oh the picnic 🧺 basket could be for guests to you have , if they want to have picnics on the grounds! How lovely

[@sentimentalwoman4540]

That is exactly what I thought. Whoever is responsible for cooking for the guest for a particular day can make up the picnic basket with a small blanket, cloth napkins, a hand-drawn map of the Chateau grounds identifying a nice place to sit and take in the scenery. Maybe even include recorded music from the 18th century.

[@kleoqwer]

So happy our parcel have arrived well and made you smile:) May that angel protect you all. P.s. that cacao drink is amazingly delicious!

[@candicechristian7344]

Was amazing. OLGA🥀❣

[@sarahyates6055]

The shoe you received from Althorp the home of Diana Princess of Wales looks very much like the shoes she wore on her wedding day with her wedding dress.

[@kimphilpin1062]

As always wonderful and thoughtful gifts. Accompanied with fun and smiles. X

[@landscapeartist2342]

These videos really made our Christmas, thanks for sharing your festive season with us, we are looking forward to next years already .....

[@jasminelouisefarrall]

Stunning gifts 🎁 and a wonderful video 🍂🐿🍂

[@saintsi6997]

Probable the best show on TV!

[@laplumedematante]

:-))))

[@saraviegas2141]

I honestly spent the entire time smiling like a crazy person!! This is just soo precious

[@brianashton1428]

(Moira Ashton) I just LOVE these gift opening evenings, I'm smiling at everything! People are so generous, Stephanie is always so genuinely thrilled - whether the gift is large or small, thank you all at La Lande, for cheering us all up 💗💓💞💕💟❣💖💝

[@monikastuckey8737]

So awesome to still be able to enjoy Christmas gifts and laughter! Hugs to all!

[@Tracy_R]

The mini ducks remind me of the bath bombs that you and Michael tried to make. They would be perfect for bath bombs LOL

[@chasethecat3839]

I loved that episode

[@janeloucks210]

There's a well-known children's book 'Make Way for Ducklings', set in Boston, I believe.

[@avanzarconladislexiaavanza2789]

Love that black and silver dress Stephanie!

[@JustSaralius]

My birthday is the 28th Feb and I now feel like I need a February advent calendar too! Stephanie, I blame you for the recent strain my wallet has taken. You are too inspiring! 😅❤🥂😂

[@annetait4248]

The angel would look beautiful quilted.

[@chasethecat3839]

I love the blogs but I also love the viewers and comments. I learn lots of new things, get recommendations for books, shows, learn new ways to organize or store things, learn tidbits for pets...and so on. And everyone is so kind, artistic and generous and intelligent. I would enjoy a huge gathering for tea with all the viewers and everyone at the Chateau. If I ever play the lottery and WIN ...its a go 😊

[@lrlasvegas6427]

Chase Thecat, is this Mandy??

[@ccoeurjoli]

Super !!!! Encore une vidéo enchantée 🤩, Noël ne s’arrête jamais au château de La Lande 😄 !!! À vendredi !!! 🌸🌸🌸

[@sarahyates6055]

If you put a piece of wadding at the back of the panel then a piece of muslin or cotton, then you can hand stitch quilt it to highlight pieces especially the angels face and the wings etc. You can add tiny beads and fabric glitter glue to make it look extra special. Then just add a plain backing with loops to hang on a wooden rod. I’ve done several and they look great.

[@marjoleint3592]

Such beautiful and thoughtful gifts! And so many delicious sweets, chocolate and cookies ❤️ You guys are so lucky 😋

[@MP-xf6gq]

I didn't know then had picture frame that looked like plates for the kitchen. Great idea. I tell ya.....Stephanie and Nati have such great memories. Nati is learning all the US State's Abbreviations and Stephanie can remember a gift that a child sent her back in the summer. WOW. BTW......this Vlog really needed a dog in it. So glad Stephanie let's Diesel have run of both the inside and outside of the Chateau. so cute.

[@chasethecat3839]

Yes its very good of her. Some folks will absolutely not allow animals in their homes or confine them to only the kitchen..my daughter included. Me..they are as good as little humans so they go where I go lol.

[@Jayrose59]

Hello there 😍😍😍

[@annsimpson4034]

You have made me so happy seeing my gifts opened, thank you xx

[@endeavouringit]

And how wonderful of you !!

[@liesavillandre3481]

my first father in law's father was from France, he was in the merchant marines. His name was Victor P. Villandre. once my father in law visited France and took a tour or the chateau Villandry. We are not saying there is a family connection, but it is interesting.

[@tiffytattoo2450]

Plese DO NOT put antique books in zip lock bags, as the moisture and micro climate in there can harm these old precious books! A textile bag might work better to protect it :)

[@catherinebyrne1796]

Hi to you all in amazing home call lalande such amazing gifts ty for sharing it allways put a smile😆 on my face 💚

[@kimikat03]

Fun as always and I'm looking forward to see this Easter table🐣🐤🐥

[@pauljeffery6180]

Yes it sad taken the Christmas tree down dont worry the room still looks nice

[@myhomeandcastle9197]

I love the angel banner. Thanks for keeping spirits up for all your viewers!

[@jennymay4720]

It would look beautiful with a soft backing in the chapel,

[@myhomeandcastle9197]

@@jennymay4720 I am hoping to get vaccinated soon, and then my hearts desire is to visit Lalande and do sewing for them , including a soft quilting of the banner for the chapel, and maybe make and embroider an alter cloth. I will reach out to Nattie and Stephanie when I get a vaccine appointment date, fingers crossed!

[@jennymay4720]

@@myhomeandcastle9197 That sounds wonderful Hope you can have it soon.

[@lydiaschicklin5978]

Hello lovely lalanders and everyone IN the world! I love the gifts opening because it feels like Xmas ! I love all of these beautiful and thoughtful gifts ! Bisous from Alsace 😀😘

[@jackiehamilton793]

You should make a volunteer portrait area. Our local courthouse does this with portraits of those who have served our country. They all have the same frame dating back to civil war. It takes your breath away when you walk in and see them.

[@pamelamcfadden337]

You must have a walk in ' Tea Chest" now! Selmar can built it..😁

[@bredaswitzer1948]

Great can't wait for Friday 🥰🌻🦚♥️

[@sandranaylor2348]

So enjoy watching the lovely gifts that viewers have sent to you

[@kathryndegroot8821]

I really liked your hair and make up. Stephanie you are a breath of fresh air xx

[@nigeldavies1704]

Lovely to watch. I missed the premiere of this last night and then I watched later ..... Enjoy your February advent! 😀

[@bridgetcooper176]

Love Phillip! You should keep him. Lol♥️

[@ColorWhiz]

You inspired me to pour an orange liqueur and nibble on chocolate for this one!

[@donnanancekivell9430]

What a fun time again.......really you are all spoiled rotten .........love it..............Donna in Toronto

[@hanneloredehm446]

Stephanie - I kiss and hug you for your german

[@debbiemollison9866]

It’s so nice to see Xmas isn’t over yet. Lol

[@beccazie101]

It is always such fun to see you opening the amazing gifts from across the globe! I was thinking you could get some pieces of mirror 🪞 cut to fit the 4 frames- and perhaps use them as mirrors. I hope to see the tiny yellow LUCKY DUCKS hidden around the chateau! What fun that would be! I imagine everyone would be moving them on each other all the time! 😂

[@jess-sorandom828]

I needed this today. Such a joyous escape.

[@gisellenorbury2369]

Thank you Stephanie.

[@bejaje11]

The farmer with the goats would love the tree, goats love eating them.

[@neenmach]

And pigs too! We have a couple of piggies who love to get the trees at their homes. Love from NH, USA

[@katieirish5765]

Ohhhh….Friday, hurry up and get here!

[@eileenlane787]

Great fun guys . Another lovely video . Such lovely gifts . Friday can't come fast enough now

[@michelerandall123]

The tree looks so beautiful with all the ornaments and decorations! So sad when the evergreen has to go back outside.

[@chasethecat3839]

I never saw your shoe ornaments..love them and the antique book, the peacock ornament and all the hedgehog items, THAT BOX & the embroidered bread basket liners. Thoughtful gifts all!🎁

[@gailcraig4495]

Wish could have seen inside of the bread basket liners....are they divided?

[@jaynegrunnill3705]

Fab Hamper Box!x

[@anneknight3875]

Maybe a white tree for all the peacock decorations. The dark blue feathers will really stand out.

[@tkucey8689]

Om my goodness Alice Allen! That is the goodie box of my dreams! Has anyone ever had Nectar D'or? heavenly. Oh I just love these vlogs!

[@tango2paris]

Its the best...my favorite.

[@tkucey8689]

@@tango2paris strength to say I discovered it because of my father passing and it was in his cupboard. Was a gift from a friend that he had never opened and how amazing was it for us to enjoy that in his memory :-) and hopefully one day I'll be able to buy myself a beautiful gift basket like the one in this video. One of the light watching them open it!

[@endeavouringit]

Love that dress Stephanie, you look gorgeous as always

[@Randy8923]

Enjoyed. Lovely and fun not to mention delicious gifts! Love to all ❤

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

Epic video! However, I should let you know that storing the book in the car is potentially going to be catastrophic for its welfare. Cold. Heat. All the things which books are ruined by. Keep it in the chateau to ensure long life and take it will you when you are going somewhere. Thank you for the video!

[@chasethecat3839]

And someone suggested a quilted cover and I'm about to get on Etsy and look for them..hoping to find handmade ones

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

@@chasethecat3839 Further suggestion: They could photocopy the book and keep the copied pages in the car for reference on unexpected outings when the book has been left behind !

[@nancyh4]

I had to laught when nati said urtete :) But then I realised that it is not a fantasy word, it's danish and it means herbal tea ;)

[@romiehutson5230]

Sorry didn’t pay attention to the gift openings with these two beautiful ladies hosting the vlogs🥰🙋🏻‍♀️

[@karensouthworth2946]

I ❤️ reliving Christmas !

[@susannevk8507]

I love it when you try to speak German,Stephanie,just so funny! Would like to have a Himbeergeist Kugel now!

[@aleta5873]

And she sounds like she knows what she's saying..hahaahah!

[@endeavouringit]

I think of the episode of Friend's when Joey tries (not really, makes French sounds) to speak French with Phoebe, hilarious

[@eleshaburgess8567]

Next year the big tree needs to be put up at the start of December. It’s to pretty and needs more time to be enjoyed. ❤️🎄

[@joanrush9699]

Awesome, looking forward to seeing more!!

[@dazereigh]

Those frames should have photos of some of the special days/nights you guys have had together.

[@kristadixon3272]

You could make a whole garland with all the beautiful peacock decorations! Or hang them in the windows to catch the sun!

[@Marykguise]

So wonderful 💗

[@oldheadcook]

As always such fun❣️

[@carolem6354]

So nice to have Mandy back, maybe another baking day with German treats?

[@michellezevenaar]

It might be a good idea to sort all the Christmas tree decorations by colour as you put them away! Maybe also a few themes look shoes, animals..... Then next year it will be easier to choose what decorations go on what tree assuming you will have multiple trees again ;-)

[@endeavouringit]

Great idea !!!

[@asparklylife3965]

You should put hedgehog pictures in those frames. 😉😊

[@roywirick9854]

as well any varmits from the environs of the chateau! fun to see philip and natti “sparring” over the gifts! such friendships are a delight! 🦩

[@LLLLLLLLLucas]

Loving Stephs hair!!!

[@dawngough1133]

Discovery of Witches is highly recommend. Set in modern day Oxford, Venice and France. Story of an Oxford lecturer who is actually witch. She discovers she can summon a lost book of spells that can be dangerous in the hands of her fellow witches and vampires. Kind of a more sophisticated Twilight with a sprinkle of Harry Potter.

[@chasethecat3839]

Ewwwll - that sounds like something I would love. TY for the recommendation.

[@chasethecat3839]

Is it Netflix?

[@dawngough1133]

@@chasethecat3839 Unfortunately it’s Sky. I have it on dvd.

[@dawngough1133]

@@chasethecat3839 There’s a part set in France that reminds me of life at LaLande. Beautifully restored old castle, tango and even Thor!

[@caropapa]

No dont put that book in a zip lock it just might sweat, a quilted cotton fabric envelope would be better

[@chasethecat3839]

Oh that sounds like a wonderful thing to look for on Etsy. I have a cookbook that my father bought for my mom when he was in Germany, some 50+ years ago and I have it on my bookshelf but it really needs stored properly. I know your comment was meant for Stephanie but I am thrilled to read it and learn something that will preserve this precious item of my moms. I can't wait to get on Etsy and find one- after the show is over, of course. 🙂🙂

[@gailcraig4495]

@@chasethecat3839 ...yes, great idea for cookbook my folks received for their 1958 wedding.

[@1weazy291]

Great gifts💕‼️😁👏🏻

[@marykelly9698]

💕 wonderful

[@mcharlie260]

It's not a decent high five unless it stings a little 😂😂😂😂

[@aleta5873]

I think his ring hit a tender spot...