It is also called Lenten Moon, Crow Moon, Crust Moon, Chaste Moon, Sugar Moon, and Sap Moon. Christmas is celebrated as a public holiday in France on December 25, concurring alongside the United States and other countries. And the simplicity and authenticity of the French towns will win you over! France should get some inspiration from British cuisine. 3. Many Christians in France celebrate the birth of Jesus on Christmas Day (Noël). Christmas is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the world. However, for some, the celebrations begin on St Nicholas’ Day on 6th December and do not finish until January 6th (the Kings’ Day). 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! Salad, peas, green beans, carrots and potatoes. Her story will give you a sneak peek on how France celebrates Christmas. The best part of Christmas isn’t the delicious food or the presents… it’s spending time with people you care about. 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! He acts in much the same way as Santa Claus does in other worldwide Christmas traditions. Une publication partagée par ☽ 何思倫 (@sambathroughlife). Christmas Eve is the day before Christmas Day and is an important occasion for many French families. Stay tuned for her next episodes. Sarah also shares her French Christmas experience as an adult woman and living the French life in Paris with her French husband. Learn how your comment data is processed. The Nativity crib is naturally one of the main Christmas symbols. This includes Christians (practicing or not), as well as people who simply like the tradition or are participating with their family. How do French people celebrate Christmas? Dishes may include: Many people spend Christmas Day quietly and some attend a special church service. If you’ve heard about French people eating long and slowly, this dinner is the greatest example of this French custom. 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! Chloe settled in Paris a few years back. People began to make and display santons at home during at the time of the French revolution. Thank you for that Waseema! 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. People come together in cathedrals and churches across the country to pray and sing carols (known as Chants de Noël). Santa Claus in France They celebrate Christmas in France with one of the most iconic Christmas symbols. A letter from Santa Writing to Santa is a tradition across the world but in France he writes back! The French spouse visa: Everything you need to know! However, Alsace is the epicenter of French Christmas magic all along December! Jocelyn tells us more about her family multicultural Holiday celebrations and her favourite Holidays traditions in Paris. This religion has played an important role in the France's history. I have been expatriated for studies, for work and also for love for a total of approximately 7 years so far. So, the most important component of the holiday is the Christmas dinner. So happy to hear that you got to spend the holidays back home in Lyon–and wishing you a happy new year! I’m glad you ask it… for there is much to say about one of my favourite topics! She shares her personal experiences as an American expat, teaching English and living in the South-West of France. Read her post the Four reasons to spend Christmas in France, you will understand why! 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). How does France celebrate Christmas: Expats share their, How does France celebrate Christmas: Expats share their experience. The French tend to celebrate with a family gathering on Christmas Eve which continues into the following day. She became a Parisian and will soon become French I believe according to the start of her French nationality application series on her blog! Furnished vs unfurnished: Revealing France rental market secrets to make the best choice, My 10 tips to prepare a stress-free expatriation. And I give a special thank you and wishes to Camden, Sarah, Chloe, Waseema and Jocelyn! Christmas in France: The parties themselves begin on December 24. They discovered not only the cold but the Alsatian winter! Many people spend the day quietly with family members or close friends. She is a francophile and studied to become a French teacher. Christianity was introduced to the area that is now France at the time of the Roman Empire, around 300 CE. Midnight Mass in France varies from town to town, but generally, there are three masses recited. To start, and this is not going to be a big surprise, in France, Christmas is centered around food. The cake has a toy crown inside and is decorated on top with a gold paper crown. 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. French Christmas Traditions. Chloe describes her French family authentic Christmas meal and traditions with her British view on the French cuisine! 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). I’d be happy to know if you’d do the same as Chloe and bring this missing ingredient to your in-laws! Most people in France celebrate in some way from 24th-26th. Your email address will not be published. However, Alsace is the epicenter of French Christmas magic all along December! Click here and you won't miss out on good tips! The Full Moon in March is the Worm Moon. 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. Some churches even include actors and live animals. Christmas in France is a major annual celebration, as in most countries of the Christian world. This is the second edition of the Expat in France link-up to gather expats living in France experiences. Even the American holiday is overshadowed by the festivities the French culture imbues into its celebrations. The origins of the celebration date from ancient times, but over the centuries many French regions have created their own traditions to ward … Une publication partagée par Sarah Latrille (@abuckeyeinparis). Photos from Waseema – Our French Adventures The evening of December 24th is when French families sit down together to celebrate Christmas and enjoy festive French foods and wines. How do the French celebrate Christmas? But now wait a second. 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. If you like traveling to Europe, Asia, California and Brazil, Jocelyn shares her anecdotes and personal tips while she “samba” through life! We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Santa Claus started his tradition as St. Nicholas, but he is more commonly known as Père Noël, French for 'Father Christmas'. How convenient… So more and more, French people celebrate Christmas on the 25th, with a late lunch (kind of like Thanksgivingin the US). 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. What all expats have in common during the holiday season away from home is the nostalgia, or saudade as the Brazilian would say. She shares her tips on her French life and French red tape to help her fellow expat friends. The Vernal (Spring) Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere is the Autumnal (Fall) Equinox in the Southern Hemisphere. Now living in Alsace with her family, the magic of the Alsatian Christmas conquered her children. Jocelyn will understand the special meaning the Brazilian give to this emotion. Bastille Day is one of the biggest French holidays celebrated around the country. I’m excited to read about everyone’s different experiences here. When does the Christmas season start in France? Une publication partagée par Waseema Petersen (@fromsatofrance). Also strolling around the Christmas markets. There are more than 50 different santons representing the holy family and traditional village characters. Christianity was introduced to the area that is now France at the time of the Roman Empire, around 300 CE. 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. Did you know that the French traditions of Christmas play an integral part of celebrating the birth of Jesus in France? 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! Churches may be closed for visitors who do not wish to take part in the services and guided tours are often not available. You already know there will be some food involved and of course the magic of Paris! However, many churches were closed and nativity scenes prohibited during the French revolution. Many people work during some part of Christmas Eve but finish work early. If you don’t remember the feeling of seeing a snowfall for the first time, Waseema will remind you with her story! My name is Guillemette RONY but I go by Mademoiselle Guiga. A wicked butcher kidnapped them. More. This is why most people in France celebrate Christmas. And I fully I agree with her! While we diligently research and update our holiday dates, some of the information in the table above may be preliminary. You will find a very detailed and accurate explanation of the French administrative process she went through but also personal recipes. Perpignan is close to the Mediterranean and the Pyrenees. From the end of November, the cities of France transform into a magical wonderland with all the Christmas lights. Chloe is from Devon in the UK. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. 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. Also, Chloe also shares her top secret tip as an annual passholder when visiting Disneyland Paris over Christmas. At around midnight, French families eat a special meal to celebrate the very beginning of Christmas Day.