Every country where Christmas is celebrated puts its own spin on the season. There are some aspects that are always present – for example, Christmas trees and streets full of outdoor Christmas lights – but there are also specific national traditions.
In this blog, we will look at three fascinating elements of the festive season in France.
Nativity scenes
At this point, you may be thinking “hang on, we put up nativity scenes too”!
While you would be right, there is a unique twist to the French version. Known in that country as Creches de Noel, the nativities include characters called santons. This translates as ‘little saints’. They are made from clay, painted by hand and depict people like farmers and bakers. The creation of them is an ancient part of the French Christmas.
Christmas Eve feast
On the night before Christmas, families across France enjoy a feast that they call Le Reveillon de Noel. This has similarities to our Christmas dinner, as the menu often includes a main course of turkey and chestnuts. However, it also features food like oysters and smoked salmon. This feast is viewed by many French people as a key part of Christmas.
Christmas sweets
Instead of crackers with jokes and small gifts in them, the French have something called les papillottes. These are chocolate sweets that come with puzzles or gags inside them. This tradition began during the 18th century and has its origins in Lyon. The sweets usually follow the Christmas Eve feast.
You might want to try one of these traditions to shake up your own Christmas this year.
