Christmas as it should be! The French know how to lavishly enjoy thier holidays
Something about the French style has always appealed to me. Whether it was fashion, refined manners, or the minimalistic and precise appearance of women, art and way of life. Because I partially live in a French family, I didn’t hesitate to ask my sister-in-law about how the French celebrate Christmas.
What are the most beautiful traditions or customs in France?
„It’s a question of taste. The most beautiful tradition is the making of the big Christmas crib. Every family can make one in the comfort of their home with their relatives. In Provence, The tradition is associated with the making of exceptional cribs with figures called „Santon“. These figures can be used to create a whole village and the surrounding of baby Jesus. This symbolic tradition can be seen in southern regions of France. Worth mentioning is also their lavish dinner on the 24.12. The French are well-known for their ability to enjoy food!“
Are there any “Stupid” traditions in France?
„Yes, that would be the hanging of Santa Clause from the balcony. It sometimes looks as if he wanted to commit suicide!“
Everyone is interested in the French Christmas Eve menu. What’s on it? Why do you eat a „Yule Log“?
„Christmas dinner on 24.12 begins in the sitting room late evening with an aperitif in hand, then we bring out the champagne, eat toast with foie gras and smoked salmon. Then we move on to a fantastically laid table, where the first course consists of oysters, foie gras or snails. Yes snails, really! The main course usually consists of poultry, traditionally a chicken or a goose or turkey. Sometimes the meat is replaced by lobster. A French dinner isn’t complete without authentic French cheese. Different types of cheese are available for everyone to share at the middle of the table, and we choose what we prefer. We eat cheese together with a baguette of course.
For dessert, we almost always have a Christmas chocolate roll called „Buche de Noel“, which can be served with icecream. The cake looks like a wooden log. This tradition has its origin in the pagan holidays around the time of winter solstice. In Provence, there is a tradition where people eat 13 different kinds of desserts representing Jesus and the 12 apostles. These desserts are local recipes (they aren’t known in other regions). An example is a special cake made of olive oil and citrus fruits.
Every course is, furthermore, accompanied by a different kind of wine.“
Is there any kind of Christmas gift in France that would be considered a complete „faux pas“
„No, I’m not aware of any gift, that would be weird.“
How long do the winter holidays or days off last?
„The 25.12 is a day off. Many people take the whole week off, so that they could enjoy the holiday with their family.“
What do you tell the children....who „brings the gifts“?
„Presents in France are brought by Father Christmas (Pere Noël). He looks like an old bearded man and he always has lots of amazing gifts for children.“
