Holidays Around the World: France

the magic of Christmas can be seen everywhere in France. the shops & baraques (booths) along the beautiful boulevards are brimming with toys, glittering lights, and Christmas decorations of every imaginable kind. children eagerly await Le Père Noël (Father Christmas), who will arrive on Christmas Eve to deliver wonderful presents.

Most churches & homes have a beautiful nativity scene called the Crèche; sometimes a special Yule log is also burned on the fire. after families return from Midnight Mass, they enjoy a feast called Le Réveillon, which consists of ham, goose, oysters, salads, cheese, champagne, and Bûche de Noël (a delicious cake in the shape of a Yule log). children then set out their shoes around the Christmas tree in great anticipation of Le Père Noël in the hope that he will fill them with goodies!