Christmas Around the World: France

In France, different regions of the nation celebrate Christmas differently, and even at different times. Most provinces recongnize and celebrate Christmas on December 25, but in northern and eastern regions of France, the Christmas season is officially begun on the sixth day of December. La fête de Saint Nicolas, la fête des Rois, and la Fête de lumières, honor Saint Nicholas, the Epiphany, and the virgin Mary. These Holidays are special parts of the French Christmas Season.

Children in France don't hang stockings by the chimney, they place their shoes in front of the fireplace for Père Noël to fill with gifts. Candy, fruits and nuts, and toys are also hung on the tree Christmas Eve night. Père Fouettard, who is basically Santa's Counterpart, gives out spankings to naughty boys and girls.

In 1962, France passed a law requiring all letters written to Père Noël to receive a response, so Santa sends each child a postcard acknowledging their letter and wishing them a happy holiday season.

La Messe de Minuit (Midnight Mass) on Christmas Eve is an important part of Christmas for many families, and is followed by a grand feast. This feast is called le Réveillon. Le Réveillon is meamt tp be a symbolic awakening to the glory and miracle of the birth of Jesus Chirst. Many restaurants and cafes stay open all night to serve this meal. Each French region has it's own traditional menu ranging from turkey, gooose, and chicken to a dish similar to white pudding, called boudin blanc.

Traditional dessert foods include la bûche de Noël (Yule log - cake made with chocolate and chestnuts), le pain calendeau (Christmas loaf, which is shared with a less fortunate person), and la Galette des Rois (round cake that is cut and handed out by a child hiding under the table. There is a charm hidden inside -and whoever finds it is King or Queen during the celebration of Epiphany.

The sapin de Noël (or Christmas Tree) is a similar traditional decoration in homes and businesses, as well as town squares. Lights and candles are common, but candles are used more in France than in America, to honor the Virgin Mary. After the Awakening, it is customary to leave a candle burning in case Mary should pass by.

Another important aspect of French Christmas celebrations is the crèche (nativity scene) displayed in churches and homes. Living nativities are commonly performed to remind those in attendance that Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and the miracles surrounding that birth.

For those looking to incorporate international Christmas traditions into your family celebrations, consider dowloading and playing some beautiful French Christmas Carols. At songpeddler.com you can preview the songs, and purchase them for $1.00 each. Here are links to listen to previews of a few of my favorite choices along with English lyric translations (that bring back memories of "Caroling the Halls" in high school French Club):

Il Est Né Le Divin Enfant (He is Born the DIvine Child)

Sainte Nuit (Silent Night)

Les Anges Dans Nos Campagnes(Angels in Our Campaings/Angels We Have Heard on High)

Un Flambeau (A Torch)

Perhaps this year, your family can leave a candle burning in case Mary wanders by, or attend a living nativity offered by a local church. Even playing beautiful French carols during dinner might make you feel like you are in a beautifully decorated French cathedral, lit by candlelight. Merry Christmas, or Joyeaux Noel!