Christmas in France

Where in the World is France?
France is on the continent of Europe. It is by the Atlantic Ocean. The French people live in France. The language they speak is also called French. A holiday greeting in France is Joyeaux Noel. This means Happy Christmas!

When is Christmas Celebrated in France?
Christmas Day is celebrated on December 25. The weather in December is different all over France. In the north, the weather can be cold and wet. In some parts of France it snows. In the south, it can be warmer and sunny.

The Christmas season in France starts on December 6. This is St. Nicholas Day. Children often receive gifts on St. Nicholas Day. The Christmas season ends on January 6. This day is called the Epiphany or Three Kings Day. Some families give gifts and attend church on this day.

Is there a special Gift Giver in France?
Children receive presents from Pere Noel. This means Father Christmas. He is tall and thin. He has a white beard and wears a long red coat. He carries a sack. Sometimes a donkey helps him carry his sack.

Father Christmas brings gifts twice. The first time is on St. Nicholas Day. He leaves small gifts and candy. The second time is on Christmas Eve. Some children put their shoes by the fireplace. Father Christmas fills them with presents during the night. He might bring small toys, fruit, and candy. The children open their gifts on Christmas Day. Adults open their presents on January 1.

How do the French decorate their houses?                         
The most important decoration in France is the Crèche. The Crèche is a nativity scene. Little clay figures are used in the crèche. The figures are called santons.

Some families decorate a fir tree. In the past, people did not decorate trees. But more and more French people are decorating trees. Sometimes they use a tree planted in a pot. They decorate their trees with lights and ornaments. Some ornaments can be bells, stars and angels. After Christmas they plant the tree outside.

What special food do the French eat?
Many French families go to church on Christmas Eve. After church, families eat a late meal. This meal is called réveillon. It lasts many hours. They eat goose, turkey with chestnuts, or oysters.

French people eat two special cakes during Christmas. One is called buche de Noel. It is shaped like a log of firewood. It is a sponge cake with chocolate filling. It is frosted to look like a real log. The second cake is called cake of kings. It is eaten on January 6. A bean is hidden inside. The person who finds the bean gets a crown. He or she is the king of the Epiphany party.

What are some other special traditions?
The French sing many Christmas songs. These songs are called noels. One famous song is "Oh Holy Night." It was written by two French men. Placide Clappeau, who was a mayor of a town in France, wrote the words in 1847. The music was written by Adolphe Adam, a composer who lived in Paris.

Many French people perform musical shows during Christmas. These shows are called pastorales. People act, sing and dance in the shows.

Non-Fiction
Christmas in France. World Book
France by Charles Philips. Groiler

Fiction
Madeline's Christmas by Ludwig Bemelmans