Christmas in France

France is a country in Eastern Europe. It's neighbors are Spain, Germany, Luxembourg, Italy, Switzerland and Belgium. It also shares the English Channel, a waterway, with England. People in France speak the French language. To say Merry Christmas in France, you would say Joyeux Noel.

The Christmas Tree is not popular in France. Instead, families have a Nativity scene called a creche. The scene is made up of clay figures of the Holy Family and the shepherds as well as local people who are important.

Long ago, families burned a special wood from Christmas Eve to New Years Day called a Yule Log for good luck. Today, the Yule Log is a chocolate cake that is served at the family meal.

Pere Noel is what the children in France call Santa Claus. The meaning of "Pere Noel" is "Father Christmas." He looks much like your Santa Clause except his coat is longer and he wears a hood instead of a hat. On Christmas Eve, Pere Noel carries his big black sac and delivers toys to good boys and girls.

In some parts of France, children are given gifts on December 6 instead of Christmas Day. This day is called St. Nicholas Day. But the adults give each others presents on New Year's Day

On Christmas Eve, French children sit their shoes instead of a stocking on the hearth of the fireplace for Pere Noel to fill with special treats.

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