French Christmas

A French Christmas

Will you be travelling in France in December? Depending on exactly where you'll be, there are a few celebrations to watch out for.

According to the legend, Saint Nicolas (Santa Claus) brought three little boys back to life after they were murdered and left in a brine-tub by a butcher. Saint Nicolas became the patron saint of children, who traditionally punished naughty children and rewarded good ones with presents on his feast day. Many families in northern and eastern France still celebrate la Saint-Nicolas on December 6th, on which day children receive presents and sweets.

Only two days later, on December 8th, la fête de la lumière is celebrated in Lyons. This feast is said to commemorate the Virgin's intervention to prevent the plague reaching Lyons in the Middle Ages. People put rows of candles in glass jars on their windowsills and keep them lit all night so that all the buildings in the centre of the city are illuminated.

December is also the time for Christmas markets. The ones in Lille and Strasbourgh are highly recommended.

Throughout the festive season, you will find bûches de Noël in virtually every bakery. These are very rich cakes (available in individual and family-sizes) which come in the shape of a log and topped with small sugar or plastic decorations such as elves, mushrooms, etc. They're the traditional pudding for the Christmas meal. The bûches de Noël is a traditional part of the Christmas meal. You might also come across an ice-cream version of this festive dessert: la bûche glacée.

In Paris, the major department stores compete with each other to produce the most spectacular vitrines de Noël (Christmas window displays). Every year thousands of parents bring their children to watch the displays of animated toys,which range from teddy bears cooking a festive banquet to dolls practising their ballet dancing skills. A very popular weekend outing!

And finally if you are in Paris, why not go skating outside the Hôtel de Ville. An open-air ice rink is set up there every year.