Christmas in France Originally, Christmas was a Christian feast celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, on December 25th. Today, it's a popular feast, which gathers the family around a meal and an exchange of presents.  In France, the meal is often composed of : oysters, turkey, foie gras and for dessert we have a Christmas "log" ( it's a very appreciated pastry! ). In Lyon, we also eat "papillotes", they are chocolate candies! It's delicious!

Every year for Christmas we decorate the tree, symbol of feast Every year for Christmas we decorate the tree, symbol of feast. It's at its base that we discover the presents ( or the evening or the next day, according to the different family traditions ). Children think that the mysterious Father-Christmas bring them their presents when they sleep!  

For religious reasons some families put a little manger under the tree: with Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Other families install it because they find it pretty!