What are some of the customs people do to celebrate Christmas in Paris, France?

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Coolguy

In france "Santa Clause" is known as Père Noël (Father Christmas) and instead of going down the chimney and leaving gifts under the tree, Père Noël leaves his gifts in the shoes that the children laid out by the fire on christmas eve. Père Noël travels with a companion, Père Fouettard, who has the task of spanking naughty children.

Another interesting aspect of the French Christmas Season is the nativity scene. Known as a crèche in French, these nativity scenes are somewhat unique: They include all of the western holiday (baby jesus, mary, joseph, the wise men, and the animals) plus figures called santons (little saints) which represent figures from daily life (e.g. the postman, firemen, policemen...etc.)

The midnight mass, a church service observed at midnight on Christmas Day (technically the day following Christmas Day), is celebrated. Following these services, families across france enjoy a feast known as le réveillon, literally translated as "the awakening". It is here that the traditional bûche de Noël is served.

It should be noted that Christmas in France is a celebration of tri-fold importance. It is secular and religious as well as a time for general merriment.

Joyeux Noël (Joyous, or Merry, Christmas)!

karatekiddo

Sorry,i have no idea but I think its just like some of the european countries where there are parties and gift-giving among family members. I believe the children are excited to receive santa's gift during the season.The lights are a plenty in the city.Dont miss the amazing lights at the Eiffel tower.Ive seen it on TV but i will soon see it this christmas coz i am spending it there.Im so excited.Maybe i can tell you more when im back :)

Aly :)

I live in France during the summer and the US during all of the other time. I have celebrated christmas there. The have trees with lots of lights and pretty decorations. A lot of window displays. Most displays have creches which are little clay figurines. At 12am churches have a service but kids usually don't go. Kids go to sleep early to dream of presents. At bakerys there are dried fruit breads.
It's a fun holiday to spend in France very intresting too!

Xetrox

We are with our family and we eat turkey with chestnuts and yule log for example...After we open gifts.

For example: I have 1 sister, 3 cousins... and I will buy gifts for them.

My english is very bad so I write french if you understand:

En général, lors de Noël, les familles se rassemblent autour d'une table et nous dinons. Le repas se compose de dinde aux marrons, d'une buche de noel etc. Après ce repas, les enfants se cachent et les adultes leur font croire que le père Noel arrive. Lorsque les enfants sont de retour, il y a des dizaines de cadeaux autour de l'arbre de Noel qui sont destinés aux membres de la famille.
Sur chaque cadeau se trouve une étiquette avec un nom et chaque personne prend son/ses cadeaux.
Il peut y avoir des gros ou des petits cadeaux! Tout dépend de nos moyens financiers.
Les enfants attendent cette fête avec impatience tout au long de l'année.

John

A 'Bûche de Noël' and a lot of champagne =]

Carolina C

red color

Brennen H

aids

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