By Pranati Borkhetaria Noël à France: Christmas in France

›French people mostly celebrate on Christmas Eve by: –Visiting a special church service –Having a very elaborate feast ›They are common on Christmas day too (lunch – having the leftovers or going to another feast with other family) –Opening presents ›Just like we do, they also put up and decorate a Christmas tree ›Wear pretty, fancy clothes & Have parties/celebrations and give presents ›Around Christmas these markets are held, which are great shopping opportunities and provide a very festive atmosphere. How do the French celebrate Christmas?

›Called Le Réveillon ›Cymbolizes the birth of Christ ›Very sacred French tradition ›Can last to be 6 hours long –People eat, talk and celebrate –The celebration revolves around food ›Custom to eat at the table for a long time The Christmas Eve Feast

›There are many meals/parts of the feast including: –Hors D’oeuvres –A fish course –The main meal –A salad course –A cheese plate –Desert –Wine ›The menu does vary though between regions as some have specialties in specific dishes (cheeses too) The Christmas Eve Feast Cont’d

This is a special cake that the French make for desert after the Christmas Eve feast. It means “Christmas/Yule Log” and it is a sponge cake made with chocolate and chestnuts, shaped like a log. BÛCHE DE NOËL

›Churches put up a Nativity scene ›Christmas Tree (sapin de Noël) ›Mistletoe –Hung above the door to bring good fortune throughout the new year ›Christmas Table –The French are very particular with their table decorations for the feast for it must look elegant and give the sense of celebration Decorations

Traditions ›Though less and less people are doing so, French people usually visit a Christmas Mass (Messe de Minuit) ›French children put theur shoes by the Chirstmas tree, hoping that Père Noël (Santa Claus) will fill them with gifts ›Children also start opening presents at 12 am on Christmas Day, as the Christmas Eve feast is finishing up ›Advent (time of waiting and preparing for Chirstmas – lasts up to 4 weeks) Wreath with its four candles which symbolize the 4 Sundays leading up to Chirstmas

›Vive le vent: (Jingle Bells in French) ›Petit Papa Noel: (French children’s song) ›A collection of popular French Christmas Carols: Music

Merci!