How do you celebrate Christmas in France?

Most people think that Christmas in France is no different from the German one Christmas. But they are wrong. France has its own traditions and customs when it comes to how to celebrate the Christian festival. Find out what to eat, sing and how to celebrate here.

How is Christmas in France?

• The 24th December is a completely normal working day in France. Only after work does the family meet for a large festive dinner with several courses. The long meal is called "Réveillon".
• After dinner there is fun, there is dancing, singing and laughing. The regions of Alsace and Lorraine are excluded.
• At midnight, the whole family, including children, goes to mass. One or two family members sometimes stay home and put presents under the Christmas tree. In other families, the Père Noel (Santa Claus) comes to the children personally. Usually a family member dresses up.
• Père Noel comes through the chimney, but does not carry a sack with him, as in other countries. He carries the presents in a basket on his back. This is reminiscent of the grape harvest. The French Santa Claus is more reminiscent of Santa Claus. He wears a red coat instead of pants and a jacket.
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What is the name of Santa Claus in France?

In France, too, Santa Claus brings the presents - but there he is different ...

• However, when the family comes home from midnight mass, there will be no presents yet. The children have to be patient until the next morning, as is the case, for example, in the USA. On the 25th. December, on Christmas morning, the presents are then unwrapped before there is another big feast.
• On 26. December will be worked again in almost all regions of France. The regions of Alsace and Lorraine are excluded. Like us Germans, they celebrate Boxing Day.
• As in very many countries, Christmas is extensively decorated in France. There are a lot of mistletoe branches in particular.
• Christmas carols are also sung in the neighboring country. Traditional songs like "Silent Night" are sung in French. A well-known children's song in France is "Petit Papa Noel"

What meals do you enjoy celebrating the festival of love?

• In France, people eat a lot, especially at Christmas. The menu includes an aperitif, often consisting of beer, champagne and snacks. The starter often includes pies, especially the famous foie gras pate. Salmon and lettuce are also often included.
• As a second starter, snails, scallops or frog legs are usually served.
• The main course traditionally consists of turkey or roast goose and after the main course a varied cheese platter is passed around.
• A very well-known dessert for Christmas in France is the "Bûche de Noel". This dessert is said to be reminiscent of a tree trunk and traditionally consists of chocolate buttercream and sponge cake. The dessert is often decorated with marzipan figures.