Christmas in France, is a time marked for generosity, family reunions gift sharing and but how it and when it gets celebrated can varies from region to region. Although most provinces celebrate Christmas on the 25th of Decembré, in eastern and northern France it really all begins on the 6th, la fête de Saint Nicolas, and in some provinces la fête des Rois* is one the most important holidays of the Christmas season. For the people in Lyon it celebrated on Decembré 8th which is called Fête des lumières, (Festival of Lights). Lyonnais pay homage to the virgin Mary by putting candles in their windows to light up the city.
Tradition
French children put their shoes in front of the fireplace, in the hopes that Père Noël (aka Papa Noël ) will fill them with gifts. Candy, fruit, nuts, and small toys will also be hung on the tree overnight.
Le Réveillon
Although fewer and fewer French attend la Messe de Minuit on Christmas Eve, it is still an important part of Christmas for many families. It is followed by a huge feast, called le Réveillon (from the verb réveiller, to wake up or to revive). Le Réveillon is a symbolic awakening to the meaning of Christ’s birth and is the culinary high point of the season, which may be enjoyed at home or in a restaurant or café that is open all night. Each region in France has its own traditional Christmas menu, with dishes like goose, chicken, capon, turkey stuffed with chestnuts, oysters, and boudin blanc. After Réveillon , it’s customary to leave a candle burning in case the Virgin Mary passes by.
If there is one thing I love to do is visit a French bakery while in Paris. Especially during the Christmas holiday season. There are some special traditional desserts If you can’t make it all the way to France over the holiday season if your in the Denver metro area I can’t say enough about Pierre Michel Organic French Bakery In Highlands Ranch, Colorado at 2201 Wildcat Reserve Pkwy. Pierre and his family owned and operated a bakery in Marseille, France before moving to Colorado.
Here are some season scrumptious baked goods you have to try if you get a chance.
The sapin de Noël is the main decoration in homes, streets, shops, offices, and factories. The sapin de Noël appeared in Alsace in the 14th century, decorated with apples, paper flowers, and ribbons, and was introduced in France in 1837. Another important aspect of French Christmas celebrations is the crèche filled with santons , which is displayed in churches and many homes. Living crèches in the form of plays and puppet shows based on the Nativity are commonly performed to teach the important ideas of Christianity and the Christmas celebration. Mistletoe is hung above the door during the Christmas season to bring good fortune throughout the year.
Joyeux Noël, je vous souhaite tout le meilleur dans la nouvelle comming l’année prochaine!
Avoir use belle journée,
Jeff McClintock, Photographie