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I've always been fascinated by how holidays are spent in different parts of the world, and, when the opportunity came to research France's Christmas traditions, I soon realized that this would be no exception. From Saint Nicholas' Day to the French Christmas food, Christmas in France is an excellent source of entertainment.

In France, Christmas doesn't start on December 25th; instead, it essentially begins on Saint Nicholas' Day. Saint Nicholas is who our American Saint Nick, aka Santa Claus, got his name from. He was a nice man in the Catholic Church who gave out food and things and typically left the presents in shoes. That's why the French kids leave out their shoes for their parents to fill with money, small gifts, and candy.

On Christmas Eve, children place their shoes next to their fireplaces so that Père Noël can fill them with goodies to find in the morning. In spite of France's general anti-Christian attitude, Jesus' birth is acted out in cathedral squares and almost every French house features a Nativity scene or santons, "little saints." French people make a huge feast to eat at midnight between December 24th and December 25th. This is called le reveillon.

In France, two men give the gifts to the children: Père Noël and Pre Fouettard. Pre Fouttard's job is to tell Père Noël exactly what each child has done throughout the year and whether he deserves presents or not. Sometimes, these gifts are given on Saint Nicholas Eve (December 6), and then again on Christmas Day. Occasionally, it is "le petit Jesus" who brings the presents.

Of course, France is famous for the food that the country produces, and their Christmas food is no exception. The French prepare a vast amount of food, including the Bûche de Noël (a traditional log-shaped Yule cake), which is very good, as well as their Christmas feast. This includes goose, oysters, patê du fois gras, poultry, ham, salads, cakes, fruits, and, of course, wine. Another interesting addition is called the Three Kings Cake, which is a cake with a bean on the inside. Whoever finds the bean in his slice becomes King for the day, meaning that he or she gets extra presents.

As if to contrast the American Christmases that most of us have grown up around, the French party all night and don't make their children go to bed while it's still early so that Santa can come. The French Christmas is elaborate and beautiful, with many delicious touches of elegance and tradition. I only hope to see a real one someday instead of just reading about it!

 

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