Les voeux du maire

It's a tradition in France for the mayor of a small commune to invite everyone to la cérémonie des voeux. Its a chance for everyone to wish each other "Bonne année ...  et surtout la santé !". In our village of 300 people, the obligatory speech is followed by aperitifs, a copious buffet, and la galette des rois -- an invaluable opportunity to catch up on all the gossip.