Welcome to Christmas in France!

  

Joyeux Noel
(This is how you say Merry Christmas in French!)

Christmas in France starts on December 6th.  The holiday lasts for a whole month!  Take a look at all the information on this holiday below!
 

Pere Noel is Father Christmas in France.  
He is similar to our Santa Clause.  
At night children leave their shoes by the fireplace
to be filled with gifts from Pere Noel.
In the morning they also find that sweets, fruit,
nuts and small toys have been hung on the tree.


Buche de Noel

The French make a traditional Yule log-shaped cake called the Buche de Noel, which means "Christmas Log." The cake,  is served at the grand feast of the season, which is called Le Reveillon. Le Reveillon is a very late supper held after midnight mass on Christmas Eve.


 The Creche
Almost every French home at Christmas time has a crib or crèche, which is the focus for the Christmas celebration. The figures in the crèche may be made from wood, pastry or clay and they are painted. They may be tiny or real life size. The children get to find a spot in the house for the crèche and they also get to make it!