French Christmas Traditions
Christmas is celebrated all over the world. Christmas traditions vary in every country. Although the most Christmassy things everywhere are the desserts, wine, Christmas tree and the gifts.
France however has some different and unique traditions when it is about celebrating the Christmas.
Merry Christmas! – Joyeux Noël!
- Christmas tree – Le sapin de Noël
A Christmas tree is usually an evergreen conifer such as pine or fir and sometimes also an artificial tree. But the smell of a fresh pine tree is so soothing that it cheers up your mood and puts you right into the Christmas mood. The French prefer a fresh tree over an artificial. Now in the recent times there are eco-friendly Christmas plans where you can rent a Christmas tree.
Happy Holidays! – Joyeuses Fêtes / Bonnes Fêtes de Fin d’Année!
- The nativity scene – La crèche
The nativity scene is a special exhibition during the Christmas. The term Nativity scene is used to represent the birth of Jesus. Model figures of infant Jesus, Mother Mary and her husband, Joseph exhibit the scene. Shepherds, sheep and angels are also displayed near the manger – un berceau
- Candlemas – La Chandeleur
La chandeleur is observed every year on 2nd February in France. This day is dedicated to eating crepes. It is exactly 40 days after the Christmas. La chandeleur is meant to celebrate the purification of the Virgin Mary and the presentation of baby Jesus.
- Christmas Eve dinner – Le Réveillon de Noël
The Christmas Eve is the evening before the Christmas Day. On this eve, the French celebrate by preparing a special meal. Special meals and desserts are prepared and some families also have a theme for their menu.
- Shoes by the Fire
Christmas traditions vary in other parts of the world. It is usually stockings by the fireplace and cookies and milk left for Santa Claus. However, in France kids leave their shoes by the fireplace and hope that Christmas Father will fill them with gifts.
DECORATIONS AROUND THE HOUSE
| Christmas lights (outdoor/indoor) | les guirlandes électriques extérieures / interieures |
| Greeting card | une carte de vœux |
| Candle | un bougie |
| Mistletoe | le gui |
| Snow | la niege |
| Nativity scene | une crèche |
| Shepherd | un berger |
| Manger | un berceau |
| Sleigh | un traîneau |
- La fêtes des Rois & La Galette des Rois
On January 6th, this is called Kings’ Day, Three Kings’ Day and Epiphany and in France. The tradition is that a “fève” hidden inside the cake and the person who discovers it the fève in their serving is declared le roi (the King) or la reine (the Queen)
He or she gets to wear the paper couronne (crown) and sometimes the King or the Queen gets to choose a royal counterpart.
- Père Noël
In France, the letters from the children to Santa Claus i.e. to Père Noël don’t just disappear or end up in dustbin. Since 1962, France has had a law that stipulates any letter to Santa must be responded to in the form of a postcard.
Season’s Greetings! – Meilleurs Voeux!
Here is a list of French Christmas songs