1. Christmas in France

2. Saint Nicolas This is Saint Nicholas.He was the original Father Christmas, or Père Noël. St Nicholas brings the presents to children.

3. Le Père Noël In some parts of France Père Noël brings small gifts on St. Nicholas Eve (December 6) and visits again on Christmas Eve

4. Père Fouettard Père Noël travels with Père Fouettard who tells him how each child has behaved during the year. Good children receive presents. Naughty children get no gifts.

5. Decorations The idea of the Christmas tree came from Alsace in the 14th century.

6. Strasbourg, Alsace

7. The Christmas Wreath This is called: La couronne de bienvenue in French.

8. Le houx

9. Le gui : Mistletoe

10. Le Calendrier de l'Avent With the Advent Calendar you can count down the days before Christmas. Behind each window or door, there are pictures or little chocolates or lollies.

11. Christmas Eve French children don't just leave out socks, they may also leave their shoes by the fireplace to be filled with gifts from Père Noël.

12. Jour de Noël In the morning they also find that sweets, fruit, nuts and small toys have been left by Santa.

13. Santas reindeer The reindeer are called: Fougueux, (Dasher) Danseur,(Dancer) Fringant, (Prancer) Mégère, (Vixen) Comète, (Comet) Cupidon, (Cupid) Tonnerre (Donner or Thunder) Eclair (Blixen or Lightning). Le traîneau = the sledge Un renne = a reindeer

14. La crèche Many French homes have a crib or crèche at Christmas time. They may also be seen in shops, town centres and churches.

15. Le réveillon On Christmas Eve it's time for "le réveillon" or the special Christmas meal. All the family eat together at this time.

16. Ready for the réveillon

17. Les canapés

18. Les vol au vents

19. Les crudités

20. Pâté de foie gras

21. Les Fruits de mer This is seafood.

22. La dinde et la salade

23. Le fromage:Cheese.

24. Dessert Still got some room? Time for les fruits!.

25. More desserts And theres more! Now its everyones favourite – la bûche de Noël.

26. Les petits fours

27. Joyeux Noel! Et Bonne Année!