​Before we talk about Noël in France...

​​Why do we celebrate Christmas?

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​Do you celebrate Christmas?

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​How do you celebrate Christmas?

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​How do we say Christmas in French?

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La Fête de Saint-Nicolas

​In some parts of France (usually in the North and the East), children leave their shoes out the night before 6th December.

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In the morning, they find gifts and sweets brought by Saint Nicholas.

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Saint Nicholas is said to be the Protector of Children.

​Les décorations

​Many French homes display a Nativity scene: ​La Crèche de Noël.

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It reminds us that we are celebrating Jesus' birth at Christmas.

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​Les décorations

Many homes will decorate le sapin de Noël.

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Unlike many Australian families, the French do not have Christmas crackers.

Le réveillon de Noël​

On Christmas Eve, on the 24th December, families and friends share a special meal which will often last until midnight!

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Le réveillon de Noël is the name for the special meal. It comes from the verb “se réveiller” (to wake up).

​Typical Christmas food

You will start with some Canapés and petits fours.

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​Typical Christmas food

Les fruits de mer: seafood is a popular starter.

​Typical Christmas food

Foie gras is also a classic on any Christmas menu!

​Typical Christmas food

A cheese platter, du fromage, before dessert.

​Typical Christmas food

A classic for dessert is la bûche de noël.

Le père Noël

Le père Noël​ is also known as Papa Noël​.

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​He comes to drop off gifts on Christmas Eve.

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​Joyeux Noël

​To celebrate Christmas, we offer a present to people we love: un cadeau.

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​Les cadeaux are left under the tree and opened on Christmas morning.