In
France, Christmas is a time for family and for generosity, marked by family
reunions, gifts and candy for children, gifts for the poor, Midnight Mass, and le
Réveillon.
The
celebration of Christmas in France varies by region. Most provinces celebrate
Christmas on the 25th of December, which is a bank holiday.
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.
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. 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 (similar to white pudding).
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.
