Christmas Day is a public holiday. It is also called Lenten Moon, Crow Moon, Crust Moon, Chaste Moon, Sugar Moon, and Sap Moon. Quite a nice fortune, don’t you think? If you are also a francophile, want some tips to learn French from a language teacher and discover the South of France, you will like her YouTube Channel. Her blog is great inspiration and way to travel, also when we stay at home! Le Réveillon de Noël. Une publication partagée par Sarah Latrille (@abuckeyeinparis). © Time and Date AS 1995–2021. But the first difference between France and other countries, is that meal is not happening on the 25 but on the 24 on Christmas Eve. You will find good tips to discover this region on Camden’s blog Baguettes and Bicyclettes. I hope you have a wonderful rest of the holiday season! A flat Almond cake is eaten called 'Galette des Rois'. Is Jocelyn’s favourite French winter food your favourite too? Traditions, meals, markets, and music... Camille from French Today explains how the French celebrate Christmas. In 2021, it falls on a Saturday, and some businesses may choose to follow Saturday opening hours. France is still a largely Catholic country, which means that Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve is still a fairly popular tradition. What do the French do at Christmas. Read her post the Four reasons to spend Christmas in France, you will understand why! Christians celebrate Christmas Day by remembering the Jesus Christ's birth in Bethlehem around the year 3 BCE (the date varies depending on different sources). Click here and you won't miss out on good tips! You could think Jocelyn is from Brazil from her blog’s name: Samba Through Life! Midnight Mass in France varies from town to town, but generally, there are three masses recited. The best part of Christmas isn’t the delicious food or the presents… it’s spending time with people you care about. Five expat bloggers from different countries reveal their personal experience of a French Christmas. A letter from Santa Writing to Santa is a tradition across the world but in France he writes back! The meal can go for up to six hours. Traditional French Christmas celebrations include letters from Santa, feasts on Christmas Eve and presents at the beginning of December! Furnished vs unfurnished: Revealing France rental market secrets to make the best choice, My 10 tips to prepare a stress-free expatriation. A wicked butcher kidnapped them. Verbs for Christmas. How convenient… So more and more, French people celebrate Christmas on the 25th, with a late lunch (kind of like Thanksgivingin the US). This is 40 days after Christmas Day . Notify me of follow-up comments by email. *** Have you celebrated Christmas in France? Let us know in the comments. How does France celebrate Christmas: Expats share their, How does France celebrate Christmas: Expats share their experience. Many people work during some part of Christmas Eve but finish work early. Jocelyn gives us her good restaurants, recipes, street food addresses she finds along the way! If you are wondering how does France celebrate Christmas, add a trip to Alsace in December in your 2021 bucket list. However, special Christmas meals are also popular. The French spouse visa: Everything you need to know! Christianity was introduced to the area that is now France at the time of the Roman Empire, around 300 CE. Such a lovely compilation of diverse expat stories here in France And you got it right–eu tenho muitooo saudades during the holiday season, especially this year! To start, and this is not going to be a big surprise, in France, Christmas is centered around food. Jocelyn will understand the special meaning the Brazilian give to this emotion. Your email address will not be published. The holiday season is a special time of the year in many countries around the world and it is even more special as an expat! Sarah moved for love to Paris from Ohio, USA and now shares her love and her discoveries in this emblematic city on her blog Sucre Blue. Happiness lies in little moments like this and warm memories! However, some stores at airports, railway stations and major highways, may be open. Some churches even include actors and live animals. The celebrations take place because, once upon a time there were three children who got lost in the countryside. She shares her personal experiences as an American expat, teaching English and living in the South-West of France. Your email address will not be published. I’d be happy to know if you’d do the same as Chloe and bring this missing ingredient to your in-laws! If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. How they feel about being far from home for this special occasion (and in these extraordinary times). The traditional Christmas church service is held on Christmas Eve in France. Photos from Waseema – Our French Adventures. I’m glad you ask it… for there is much to say about one of my favourite topics! If you're new here, never miss an update and be the first to receive new articles and information about life in France and insider tips! Click here and you won't miss out on good tips! Her story will give you a sneak peek on how France celebrates Christmas. France should get some inspiration from British cuisine. In the first edition, the first expats shared about what they have learnt from being an expat in France. They may be made of terracotta and painted with bright colors or doll-like figures dressed in miniature clothes. Chloe is from Devon in the UK. How to get your EU Blue Card and work in France? I’m excited to read about everyone’s different experiences here. Sarah remembers her first Christmas abroad in France as a teenager and shares her thoughts on how she felt as he was spending for the first time this traditional holiday in a foreign country in the French Alps! This is the second edition of the Expat in France link-up to gather expats living in France experiences. So happy to hear that you got to spend the holidays back home in Lyon–and wishing you a happy new year! In the North East of France, Christmas celebrations begin on the 6 December - also known as Saint Nicholas' Day. The date for the Christmas celebration in France is a bit flexible. St Stephen's Day is an occasion for Christians to honor St Stephen's life and is a public holiday in France's Alsace-Moselle region. Now living in Alsace with her family, the magic of the Alsatian Christmas conquered her children. People come together in cathedrals and churches across the country to pray and sing carols (known as Chants de Noël). But now wait a second. They include: Today, santons are still an important symbol of Christmas, particularly in the Provence, a region of southeastern France. Many churches display a crib scene, often with life-size figures representing Mary, Joseph, Jesus and other characters from the Nativity, during this time of the year. This includes Christians (practicing or not), as well as people who simply like the tradition or are participating with their family. Although many people celebrate Christmas on the 25th December, in France the festive season officially begins on the 6th December, St Nicholas Day. Even so, already at the end of November (a month before Christmas, approximately), the gun goes off for Christmas shopping and Christmas decorations. Don’t you think? Thank you for that Waseema! 3. Dishes may include: Many people spend Christmas Day quietly and some attend a special church service. Thank you so much for the feature Guiga! Even the American holiday is overshadowed by the festivities the French culture imbues into its celebrations. What differences did you notice between Christmas in France … Nativity crib. Most people in France celebrate in some way from 24th-26th. Public life on Christmas Day is generally very quiet. My name is Guillemette RONY but I go by Mademoiselle Guiga. She finally ended up teaching English in France. My crazy 30-day expat blog challenge completed!!! More, Skip the alphabet ‘L’ in everything you do on December 25 or A'phabet Day or No "L" Day. However, for some, the celebrations begin on St Nicholas’ Day on 6th December and do not finish until January 6th (the Kings’ Day). When does the Christmas season start in France? So, the most important component of the holiday is the Christmas dinner. Christianity was introduced to the area that is now France at the time of the Roman Empire, around 300 CE. December in South Africa is the start of the summer holidays! what they have learnt from being an expat in France, Making memories in Perpignan with Camden from Baguettes & Bicyclettes, Chloe’s 4 Reasons to Spend Christmas in France from My Life Living Abroad, Holidays in Paris with Sarah from Sucre Blue, How does France celebrate Christmas versus South Africa with Waseema from Our French Adventure, Jocelyn’s 3 favourite Parisian holiday traditions from Samba through life, How does France celebrate Christmas wrap-up, wander around the Perpignan Christmas market, Four reasons to spend Christmas in France, Cape Town traditions over the holiday season, Everything you need to know about the tradition of the King cake in France. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in France are on 24 and 25 December and are also widely celebrated French holidays, although in parts of northern and eastern France some children receive presents on the morning of St Nicholas’ Day on 6 December. If you like traveling to Europe, Asia, California and Brazil, Jocelyn shares her anecdotes and personal tips while she “samba” through life! As it is not your first visit, never miss an update and be the first to receive new articles and information about life in France and insider tips! France emergency numbers: Do you know them? This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Far from the Northern hemisphere reality of a white Christmas, Waseema reveals the Cape Town traditions over the holiday season. Required fields are marked *. It is a mark of France’s civilisation that the nation has never embraced the Christmas pudding. The expat nostalgia and the homesick feeling mixed with the gratitude of living an exceptional life of constant discovery. Camden describes herself as “a twenty-something American living in France teaching English“. It makes it a great hub to discover the French Catalan region! I’m thankful to be at home in Lyon for the holidays, but I also feel nostalgia and saudade as one part of my family couldn’t travel back to France from Taiwan for Christmas. At around midnight, French families eat a special meal to celebrate the very beginning of Christmas Day. Many people in France put up a Christmas tree, visit a special church service, eat an elaborate meal and open Christmas presents on Christmas Eve. bring this missing ingredient to your in-laws, sneak peek on how France celebrates Christmas. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Une publication partagée par Waseema Petersen (@fromsatofrance). The Jewish community does celebrate Hanukkah, la Hanoucca, and it exists in France, but it’s not mainstream in terms of knowledge or visibility like it is in many areas of the USA. Public transport service schedules vary depending on where one is and hopes to travel. No other country in Europe celebrates Christmas in such a fashion. All these 5 testimonials and personal thoughts all share this same feeling in their own way. Learn how your comment data is processed. French Christmas Traditions. I’m not sure there is a correct way to mix culture Jocelyn is a Californian melting pot that lived in Brazil, moved to Paris, married a French man and in search of good food from Asia and the world! The Nativity crib is naturally one of the main Christmas symbols. Paris excels in department store decoration and the magic of the City of Lights. However, Alsace is the epicenter of French Christmas magic all along December! Beijos / bisous!. Many Christians in France celebrate the birth of Jesus on Christmas Day (Noël). The evening of December 24th is when French families sit down together to celebrate Christmas and enjoy festive French foods and wines. And I give a special thank you and wishes to Camden, Sarah, Chloe, Waseema and Jocelyn! Camden will also take you cycling in the South of France via her Youtube channel! However, Alsace is the epicenter of French Christmas magic all along December! He acts in much the same way as Santa Claus does in other worldwide Christmas traditions. This religion has played an important role in the France's history. On the evening of December 24th, French families sit down together to celebrate Christmas and enjoy a variety of the most delicious dishes and wines. Sarah also shares her French Christmas experience as an adult woman and living the French life in Paris with her French husband. Welcome back to my blog Expat in France! Christmas in France: The parties themselves begin on December 24. However, many churches were closed and nativity scenes prohibited during the French revolution. Historically in my area of France, Christmas Trees weren’t as popular as they were in the UK and people preferred to have a nativity scene in their homes instead, however nowadays they often have both. Chloe describes her French family authentic Christmas meal and traditions with her British view on the French cuisine! She is a francophile and studied to become a French teacher. There are more than 50 different santons representing the holy family and traditional village characters. Their blog posts will give you a good overview of how does France celebrate Christmas. Christmas Day celebrates the birth of Jesus (figurine pictured above). Privacy & Terms. While we diligently research and update our holiday dates, some of the information in the table above may be preliminary. How do the French celebrate Christmas? Christmas in France is a major annual celebration, as in most countries of the Christian world. How do French people celebrate Christmas? If your local Christmas market has been cancelled this year, it will give you a pretty good idea of what to expect for next year. They discovered not only the cold but the Alsatian winter! The tradition actually dates back to the 400s when Roman Catholics began to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. If you find an error, please let us know. If you’ve heard about French people eating long and slowly, this dinner is the greatest example of this French custom. Paris excels in department store decoration and the magic of the City of Lights. Christmas Eve; The fun of Christmas in France happens mostly in the build to Christmas Day, the highlight of the festive season being le Réveillon (Christmas Eve). The Full Moon in March is the Worm Moon. Having never been to the USA during the holiday season, I didn’t know about an unspoken rule between Thanksgiving and Christmas time in the USA. Christmas Eve is the day before Christmas Day and is an important occasion for many French families. More. It’s known as the Midnight Mass and it usually begins at midnight or a few hours before. The origins of the celebration date from ancient times, but over the centuries many French regions have created their own traditions to ward … Epiphany, called Fête des Rois in French, is also celebrated in France on January 6th. I have been expatriated for studies, for work and also for love for a total of approximately 7 years so far. Did you know that the French traditions of Christmas play an integral part of celebrating the birth of Jesus in France? What all expats have in common during the holiday season away from home is the nostalgia, or saudade as the Brazilian would say. Jocelyn is Americano-Taiwanese or maybe Taiwanese-American. If you don’t remember the feeling of seeing a snowfall for the first time, Waseema will remind you with her story! In France, Christmas day is officially on the 25th of December too, but in some traditional households celebrations start with a "Réveillon", a very late meal on the 24th, before going to church for midnight mass, or on returning home after the service. Père Fouettard. Salad, peas, green beans, carrots and potatoes. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed. Photos from Waseema – Our French Adventures Santa Claus started his tradition as St. Nicholas, but he is more commonly known as Père Noël, French for 'Father Christmas'. 5 – When Do the French Celebrate Christmas? Chloe settled in Paris a few years back. Jocelyn tells us more about her family multicultural Holiday celebrations and her favourite Holidays traditions in Paris. Commemorate the life and times of scientist Isaac Newton and celebrate science and reason. I wish Happy Holidays to all expats living in France and beyond! What kind of activities do you enjoy doing at Christmas time? Christmas is celebrated as a public holiday in France on December 25, concurring alongside the United States and other countries. Special fairs are held in December to enable people to buy more figures for their displays. Just like in Monaco, France starts to celebrate its Christmas on 4 December, St. Barbara’s Day, and continues as far as Candlemas (2 February). In many areas of France, Christmas really gets started on December 6th, with la fête de Saint Nicolas (St Nicholas’ Day). We all know the English, but what do we know about the French Christmas Traditions? La Chandeleur (Candlemas or Crêpe Day) is celebrated in France on February 2nd, 40 days after Christmas Day. If you are wondering how does France celebrate Christmas, add a trip to Alsace in December in your 2021 bucket list. Which means time to travel to your family, time to cook, time to… take your time to enjoy your meal without having to watch the time so you don’t miss mass etc… First, the kids open their gifts, and then, you are just all happy and ready for a good meal. Even if the Christmas meal in France usually takes place on Christmas Eve (called “ le réveillon de Noël “), today, many French families have their traditional Christmas meal on December … As in most countries where people from other cultures and religions live, many non-Christians also like certain aspects of Christmas and take part in some festivities or celebrate it in certain ways. Thank you Chloe! You will find a very detailed and accurate explanation of the French administrative process she went through but also personal recipes. From the end of November, the cities of France transform into a magical wonderland with all the Christmas lights. First we have a drink of Ch… Post offices, banks, stores, restaurants, cafes and other businesses are closed. Une publication partagée par ☽ 何思倫 (@sambathroughlife). This is why most people in France celebrate Christmas. Click here and you won't miss out on good tips! There's more information about Christmas in France on the French Moments website I’m sure this rule is broken every year in France! This religion has played an important role in the France's history. There are also plenty of Christmas markets – very much a European tradition – with people mingling in the cold air drinking hot wine, eating chestnuts and buying foods and trinkets for their Christmas tree. In certain regions of France in the past, the tradition was that Père Fouettard would accompany Père Noël to spank naughty children! Perpignan is close to the Mediterranean and the Pyrenees. She became a Parisian and will soon become French I believe according to the start of her French nationality application series on her blog! Welcome to my blog Expat in France! We really enjoy eating! In France, it is celebrated with all the grace and enthusiasm befitting the French. The Vernal (Spring) Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere is the Autumnal (Fall) Equinox in the Southern Hemisphere. People began to make and display santons at home during at the time of the French revolution. Une publication partagée par Chloe | An English Girl Abroad (@mylifelivingabroad). Many people spend the day quietly with family members or close friends. Santa Claus in France They celebrate Christmas in France with one of the most iconic Christmas symbols. You already know there will be some food involved and of course the magic of Paris! France minimum wage versus average salary. Christmas in France is made special with the multitude of Christmas illuminations and traditions found throughout the country. Popular activities also include walking in a park or the countryside and sharing a meal with family and close friends. She has been blogging at My Life Living Abroad for quite a few years now. This is Christmas Eve dinner. Also strolling around the Christmas markets. Stay tuned for her next episodes. Traveling and cultural discovery couldn’t be complete without tasting it! And the simplicity and authenticity of the French towns will win you over! <> I assumed, being just across the water, that a French Christmas would be just the same, but I was wrong. Churches may be closed for visitors who do not wish to take part in the services and guided tours are often not available. The cake has a toy crown inside and is decorated on top with a gold paper crown. The French tend to celebrate with a family gathering on Christmas Eve which continues into the following day. Christmas is celebrated traditionally on Christmas Eve when the big meal is normally served, although Christmas Day is always a holiday too. Bastille Day is one of the biggest French holidays celebrated around the country. Camden makes us wander around the Perpignan Christmas market, a South-West of France middle size town! The Christmas meal in France is called “Le Réveillon de Noël” and traditionally used to be held late in the night on December 24th, as people return from the midnight mass. The French prefer a fancy log – of ice cream or sponge and chocolate. Waseema transmits all these magical moments in her writing! I think I found her blog researching about Brazil, my dream country! Waseema from the blog Our French Adventure brings the sun of Cape Town, South Africa to France and to Alsace! Santons are small nativity scene figurines. (I don’t think many French people will agree with me, especially the one that doesn’t really know the good English food!). Christmas day, December 25th is an official public holiday now in France. Here in France they do things very, very differently. Luckily, Saint Nicolas rescued the children and returned them to their parents. And I fully I agree with her! Also, Chloe also shares her top secret tip as an annual passholder when visiting Disneyland Paris over Christmas. Most of what Chloe describes about Christmas with her in-laws is quite similar to how my family spends Christmas. They Christmas is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the world. Christians celebrate Christmas Day by remembering the Jesus Christ's birth in Bethlehem around the year 3 BCE (the date varies depending on different sources). She shares her tips on her French life and French red tape to help her fellow expat friends.