Merry Christmas

In France, the celebration of christmas varies by region. Most people celebrate Christmas on the 25th of December. However, in Eastern and Northern France the Christmas season begins on 6 December “la pete de Saint Nicholas”. In Lyon, 8 December is la Fete de lumieres. They put candles in their windows to light up the city.

At Christmas, they eat dishes like goose, chicken, capon, turkey stuffed chestnuts, oysters and boudin blanc (white pudding). Throughout the French Christmas season there are special traditional desserts.

La Buche de Noel

Le pain calendeau

People give this brad to the poor people.

Treize desserts

La galette des Rois

It’s a round cake. Children eat it. Who ever finds the toy in the cake becomes the king or queen.

French children put their shoes by the fireplace on Christmas Eve in hopes that Santa Claus will bring them some toy. Santa Claus is tall and thin, he has a long red robe trimmed with fur.

WHEN DOES SANTA COME?

He comes on the nightof the 24th of December

On Christmas Eve everyone eats a huge dinner called “ Le Reveillon”. After this loge dinner of goose, turkey, chickens or beef, a fish dish, bread wine and fruit.

French families hang mistletoe everywhere because they think it brings luck.