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This site was so popular this week, that the server melted down: The Official French Business Calender

Newcomers to France, thinking how nice it would be to set up a business here in the shade of the old olive tree, do not often realize how the French economy works. After living and working here as a freelancer and entrepreneur for 25-odd years, I confess that I don’t either. Hell, most days I don’t see how it manages to function at all.

However. I do know that fluctuations in seasonal economic activity play an important role in France, maybe more so than elsewhere. Over the years, as an aid to myself in my various endeavors, I’ve compiled a calendar to help predict business activity in France. It is based solely on personal observation of socio-temporal flux. While I claim that it tracks French economic activity fairly reliably (and is therefore useful), I am the first to admit that it really doesn’t shed light on one of the world’s more puzzling economic mysteries: how does France stay on as a First World country?

Here's the entry for December:

December: (Les Fêtes)
The last ten days of December (and first few days of January), frenchpersonnes are on holiday. Traditionally, this time is spent with extended family, many of whom do not see each other for the rest of the year. There are many sumptuous meals prepared during this period and 63% of the world’s total of both good and bad cholesterol is consumed in just 2 weeks. Early December is for planning dinner menus and gift shopping. Not much work gets done.
Productivity Index: 2

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