Dreaming of a French themed Christmas? Hemingway said “Paris is a moveable feast”. This is truer than ever during the Festive season, it’s really the most wonderful time of the year! If you can’t make it to France, here is our little insider’s guide on how to celebrate Christmas the French way at home wherever you may be. A few words on how we live it...

Photo and doll by @lafrancaise.paris, luxury doll creator - Dress by Charlotte sy Dimby

TIME FRAME :

L’Avent (Advent) :

Starting on the Sunday four weeks before Christmas, l’Advent launches the Christmas countdown. Families traditionally buy their Christmas trees, decorate their homes with candles and wreaths at that time. Children all have an Advent calendar, usually with chocolates or images.

Yet as years go by we seem to get more and more creative and sophisticated! For French gourmets (food lovers), here is a list of the most elegant calendars.

La Saint Nicolas (St Nicholas) :

The French do not typically celebrate Thanksgiving however Saint Nicolas is quite popular especially in the north and east of France. Saint Patron of small children considered to some extent as the ancestor of Father Christmas, he is said to bring gifts to well behaved girls and boys.

On the night of the 5th of December, kids will leave a shoe or stocking in front of the fireplace and awaken to find it filled with presents or candies (If they have been good and kind of course!).

Learn more about this tradition.

Le réveillon : The term stands both for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. If you look it up in the French dictionary, you will find the following definition : a long festive meal taken in the middle of the night.

Indeed on the 24th of December, families gather together for a supper that traditionally lasts until midnight. It is the highlight of the festive season. Families tend to stay at home and enjoy a home cooked sophisticated meal.

If you wish to follow the very classic grand French Christmas supper which we call “repas de Noël”, we invite you to read My Parisiankitchen’s ultimate guide of dishes and drinks. In our upcoming articles we will be sharing some of favorite family recipes for the season. They differ from a region to another and are often passed down from generation to another. Food is a major topic for the French as you know!

The second “réveillon”, New year’s Eve also known as Saint Sylvestre, is another major party of the year and opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal. When the clock strikes midnight, the tradition is to pop the corks and toast with a fizzy glass of champagne.

If you are lucky enough to be in Paris don’t miss out the Champs Elysées’ mesmerizing midnight light show!

La Galette des Rois : Winter celebrations continue in January! La Galette des Rois, which translates as King’s cake is another French favorite tradition for Epiphany and has become widespread. Families, whatever their belief or religion, share this special galette together or with friends. The one who finds the hidden figure/bean in his slice is named king for the day! We will be sharing more about this early January!

A FEW TRADITIONS :

Cartes de voeux : Greetings

The French send their greetings on the 1st of January, families usually make a photo all together or personalised card to send to their loved ones and friends. It is considered as bad luck to wish a Happy New Year before that date. Handwritten cards remain popular.

Chants de Noël : Christmas carols

Most French carols are religious ones. The most popular Christmas songs for children are “Mon beau Sapin” which translates as my Christmas tree, “Vive le Vent” which means long live the wind and “Petit Papa Noël!” meaning little Daddy Christmas!

Crèches : Nativity scenes

Miniature nativity scenes can be found by the Christmas tree in almost all Catholic families. The most famous ones are those from Provence. Traditionally new figures are added every year to complete the collection. Aside from the traditional Mary, Joseph, Jesus and shepherds, you will find the most astonishing figures such as the scissors grinder, the fishmonger, the singer and what not!

A FEW MORE CHRISTMAS WORDS

Joyeux Noël = Merry Christmas

Bonne année = Happy New Year

Père Noël = Father Christmas

Sapin de Noël = Christmas tree

Christmas saying = “Noël au balcon, Pâques au tison”. It is a common belief that if the weather is mild at Christmas, Easter will be cold… This dates back to the Middle Ages’ first calendars for which astrologists would predict the weather… True or not, it remains a popular saying!