Christmas in France facts for kids
Christmas is a really important holiday in France, just like in many other Christian countries. It's a public holiday on December 25th, similar to how it's celebrated in the United States and other places.
On Christmas Day, things are usually quiet. Most shops, banks, and restaurants are closed. Many French families put up a Christmas tree. They might go to a special church service. A big meal and opening gifts often happen on Christmas Eve. People also enjoy spending time with family and friends, sharing meals, and enjoying the festive city atmosphere.
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Père Noël: France's Gift-Giver
Père Noël (say "Pair No-EL") means "Father Christmas." Sometimes people also call him Papa Noël. He is the legendary gift-giver at Christmas in France and other French-speaking areas. He's a lot like Santa Claus or Father Christmas in English-speaking countries.
The tradition says that on Christmas Eve, children leave their shoes by the fireplace. They fill them with carrots and treats for Père Noël's donkey, named Gui (which means "Mistletoe"). Before going to bed, children hope Père Noël will visit. If a child has been good, Père Noël takes the treats. Then, he leaves small presents in their shoes. These gifts are usually small enough to fit inside. They might be candy, money, or little toys.
Christmas Music: French Carols
French Christmas carols are a big part of the holiday. Many of these songs have been around for a very long time. Some are even translated into English, so you might know them!
Popular French Carols
| Carol | What it's about / English title |
|---|---|
| "Il est né, le divin enfant" | This traditional song means "He is born, the divine Child." |
| "Les Anges dans nos campagnes" | This carol is known in English as "Angels We Have Heard on High." |
| "Minuit, Chrétiens" (Cantique de Noël) | This famous song is "O Holy Night" in English. |
| "Noël nouvelet" | This old carol is sometimes called "Sing We Now of Christmas" in English. |
| "Patapan" ("Guillô, pran ton tamborin!") | This traditional song from Burgundy means "Willy, take your tambourine!" |
| "Petit Papa Noël" | This popular song means "Little Father Christmas." |
| "Un flambeau, Jeannette, Isabelle" | This carol is known in English as "Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella." |
| "Entre le bœuf et l'âne gris" | This old song means "Between the ox and the grey donkey." |
Christmas Food: A French Feast
Christmas meals in France are often very special and include many delicious foods. Families gather to enjoy a big feast together.
Some typical French Christmas foods include:
- Truffles: These are special mushrooms.
- Rabbit terrine: A dish made from rabbit meat.
- Roasted capon: A type of chicken, often roasted.
- Garlic soup: A warm and flavorful soup.
- Lots of vegetables like salad, peas, green beans, carrots, and potatoes.
- Small chocolates and sweet candies.
Traditional French Christmas food often includes different meats. These can be Ham, Turkey, Chicken, and Beef. They are served with sides like mashed potatoes, beans, salad, peas, and carrots. Soup and bread are also very popular.
For dessert, a favorite is the Yule log cake, called Bûche de Noël. You might also find cupcakes, muffins, and other cakes. Small sweet treats and chocolates are always a hit!
Decorations and Festive Style
Decorating for Christmas is very common in France. Many homes, public places, and shops are decorated with bright lights and Christmas trees.
Advent wreaths (called Couronnes de l'Avent) are also popular. They are made from fir and pine tree branches. These wreaths are used for the first Sunday of Advent, which is the four weeks before Christmas. An Advent wreath has four candles. Each candle is lit on one of the Sundays leading up to Christmas.
Christmas trees can be decorated in many ways. Some have fancy ornaments. Others have a simple, traditional look. Instead of shiny ornaments, people often use red ribbons to decorate their trees. Glass or plastic ornaments that look like apples are also popular. This is because apples were traditionally hung on Christmas trees in France a long time ago. Small white candles are also used to light up the tree.
Many French households hang mistletoe on their doors during Christmas. Mistletoe is thought to bring good luck. It's kept up until New Year's Day. There's a belief that if you kiss under the mistletoe at midnight on New Year's Eve, you'll have good luck and happiness in the coming year.
Other popular decorations include shoes instead of stockings. Candles are very popular. They are typically placed on tables during Christmas meals or on window sills. Many French homes, especially Christian ones, have nativity scenes. These are also known as the crèche. They are kept in the living room and can be simple or very detailed, depending on the family.
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