2. • In
France, Christmas
is a time for
family and for
generosity, marke
d by family
reunions, gifts
and candy for
children, gifts for
the poor, Midnight
Mass, and le
Réveillon.
3. • The celebration of
Christmas in France
varies by region.
Most provinces
celebrate Christmas
on the 25th of
December, which is a
bank holiday
4. However, in eastern and northern France, the
Christmas season begins on 6 December, la fête
de Saint Nicolas, and in some provinces la fête des
Rois* is one the most important holidays of the
Christmas season.
6. French make a traditional
Yule log-shaped cake called
the buche de Noel, which
means Christmas Log. The
cake, among other food in
great abundance is served
at the grand feast of the
season, which is called le
reveillon.
7. Traditionally Le Reveillon is a
very late supper held after
midnight mass on Christmas
Eve. Le Réveillon is a symbolic
awakening to the meaning of
Christ's birth and is the culinary
high point of the season. The
menu for the meal varies
according to regional culinary
tradition.
9. Most Advent Calendars
have 24 windows and
each of them hides a tiny
chocolate. The tradition
of the Advent calendar
was introduced by the
German
Lutherans during the
19th Century. Advent is
celebrated with a
calendar but more
importantly with a
wreath and candles.
10. In France, one of the most
important decorations at
Christmas time is the
Sapin de Noël (Christmas
tree). It is used in
homes, streets, shops, offic
es, and factories.
The idea of the Christmas
came from Alsace in the
14th century. In those
days, people decorated
Christmas trees with
apples, paper flowers, and
ribbons. Alsace was then
part of the German
empire, but now it is a
province in France
11. On Christmas Eve children leave their shoes by the fireplace to be filled with
gifts from Pere Noel. In the morning they also find that sweets, fruit, nuts and
small toys have been hung on the tree. In some regions there's also Père
Fouettard who gives out punishment to naughty children. In 1962, a law was
passed decreeing that all letters written to Santa would responded to with a
postcard. When a class writes a letter, each student gets a response.
