13 things to know about French Christmas

How do you make your Christmas more ‘French’? French people certainly don’t celebrate Christmas like others… Let’s have an insight into Christmas in France: 

You will know more about:

• the important dates

• the use of Advent calendars

• the importance of Christmas markets

• how French people decorate 

• when you should give the presents

• Christmas midnight mass

• if you should send cards

• how to wish “Happy New Year”

• the typical dishes for the season

• traditional French delicacies 

In a nutshell, you might just learn something:

What are the important dates of the festive season in France?

First things first. The word you want to memorise is “Noël” meaning Christmas. Now you are set…

What are the essential dates of the last months of the year?

Well, we start with the last Sunday of November to get ready for December. Indeed, it’s called “l’Avent” and we usually have a special calendar: the “Advent calendar”. For each day of December till the “big day” aka Christmas, the children are allowed to open a box of the calendar. In it, there’s usually a piece of chocolate but it can also be homemade with something special… The general idea is to help you be patient till Christmas!

Then, on December 6th, it’s “La Saint-Nicolas”. It is said that this Saint looks for the “wise” children to give them sweets or even a gift to reward their good behaviour. It is highly celebrated in Germany.

Then on December 24th, we celebrate Christmas Eve with a big dinner. On the following day, the children get their presents.

A week after, we have another big dinner for New Year’s Eve and on the following day, we get some rest and celebrate again a bit…

Note that French people don’t celebrate Boxing Day like the Brits, Americans, Australians…

Do French people use Advent calendars?

Such a big treat for the (small and big) children. Besides several organisations sell them to raise funds. You can be creative and put some coupons for your children or grandchildren…the sky is your limit.

The value of Christmas markets in France.

France has very big Christmas markets and the most important one is in Strasbourg. You would find them on a big avenue in a city or in the main place. The stalls are called “chalets” because they look like the chalets you can find in the mountains when you ski. They are like cute little houses made of wood.

In the city of Colmar, there are illuminated boats floating on the canals with children’s choirs during the Christmas season.

By the way, there’s no Christmas market without hot wine "vin chaud" which has spices in to warm the soul. They are the perfect place to get original Christmas gifts for our family and friends.

How do French people decorate their houses for Christmas?

When it comes to decorating your house for Christmas in France, there are elements you can’t forget!

It’s the case of your “sapin de Noël ” which is your Christmas tree in your house. No need to decorate the entire house. Only a corner of your living room will suffice. 

At the foot of your tree or next to it, you would usually see the “crèche” (the manger) where you would have the typical characters: the “santons”.

Some people prefer a natural tree but most of them re-use their artificial ones. What do you personally prefer?

Here are some titles of French carols: “Mon beau sapin”, “Vive le vent” and “Petit papa Noël”.

What is the meaning of the shoes?

This tradition coming from Russia, Belgium, and the north of France is related to Saint-Nicholas. He is a sort of Santa Claus. You would leave a clog for him. In this clog, Nicola will reward the children with some sweets or nuts.

When should you give your Christmas presents in France?

Let’s tackle the most important question: when should you give your presents? In France, it’s common to receive your gifts under the Christmas tree on December 25th in the morning for children. However, you can also give your presents after your big dinner on Christmas Eve as an exchange. Each member would give their presents.

Beware of “ Père Fouettard” who embodies the opposite of “Père Noël”. For the children who “behave badly”, he will scare them and won’t give them any sweets. How cruel is that! 

How do French people celebrate Christmas religiously?

One could easily forget we Christmas remains a Catholic celebration. You don’t have to do it but if you are religious and feel like it, you can attend the “messe de minuit” (Midnight mass) on December 24th. Given the mass follows usual traditions, it's easy to follow even if you don't understand a word of French.

Christmas cards or not?

Unlike the Brits, French people don’t have this tradition to send Christmas cards to almost everybody! It doesn’t mean they don’t do it but it’s not an obligation nor a custom.

If you want to do it, you can choose a card and send it to the people special to you. Basically, French people don’t expect a Christmas card but if they do, they will certainly be very happy with it. 

How to wish “happy new year” in France.

To wish a Merry Christmas, you would say “Joyeux Noël !”. Now, to wish someone a happy new year, the answer is “Bonne année !” you can add “et bonne santé” (and good health). But if you want to group the whole festive season, you could say “Joyeuses fêtes” (“Happy holidays”).

As a reminder “joyeux” is masculine (singular and plural), “joyeuse” (feminine singular) and “joyeuses” (feminine plural).  

What are the typical Christmas dishes in France?

Let’s go back to Christmas and see what French people usually eat for the festive season. This is where the cultural aspect matters. The Christmas and New Year’s Eve dinner and lunch meals on the following days are crucial for the French. They spend a lot of money and time cooking special dishes. They are the “pièce of résistance”.

Therefore, the main meals are for dinner and on the following days. They invite the whole family if possible.

So, what are the typical dishes you would see on a French table?

Lucky you, you can choose between products from the sea like “les huîtres” (oysters), “le poisson” (fish) or “le saumon fumé” (smoked salmon) or meat such as “le foie gras” and “la dinde farcie de marrons” (turkey stuffed with chestnuts). Finally, the dessert by excellence is the “bûche de Noël” (Christmas log). 

What do you prefer on this menu?

Are you nuts?

Another item you can’t avoid in French houses during this season is nuts! And the French have a rather unique way to display them. They usually fill dates and nuts with almond paste.

Oui! It’s a lot of sugar but we need it when it’s very cold outside…All of them would be carefully arranged in a lovely gift box.

Of course, you would give and receive a lot of chocolate boxes. Christmas and Easter are the holidays when French people spend a lot on chocolate.

This amazing Christmas French delicacy you can’t miss!

Here’s another treat for Christmas: “les marrons glacés” (chestnuts with a sugar coating). This tradition comes from many years ago. You can find them in a gift box and so many other kinds like in a "toothpaste tube" but filled with “marrons glacés”!

If you have tried them, be sure to do it!

So, what do you think about how the French celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve? What would you add to your own traditions?

I wish you “Un joyeux Noël et bonne année !”