As most people are aware, Christmas is celebrated differently around the world. The people of France are known for celebrating Christmas more elaborately than Americans. No, I’m not talking about children getting more toys or more gifts given at work, I’m talking about the way Christmas is celebrated. Christmas in France is celebrated differently by region. Some regions even celebrate Christmas related festivals at different times throughout the month of December. In eastern and northern France, la fête de Saint Nicolas, which begins on December 6th, marks the beginning of the Christmas season. On December 8th, Lyons holds a Fête de lumières (The festival of lights.) This festival, where citizens of Lyon place candles in their windows, pays homage to the virgin Mary.

Traditionally, if there is a Christmas tree it is decorated with candies, nuts, and small toys by Père Noel (Santa Claus) when he visits on Christmas Eve. French children will leave their shoes by the fireplace or by the door for Père Noel to fill with gifts.

In southern France, families burn a log from Christmas Eve until New Year's Day. Traditionally, a part of the burnt log was used the next year as a wedge for the family's plow to bring good luck.

French homes are commonly decorated by a crèche (nativity scene.) There are many beautiful handmade crèche figures sold every Christmas season in Marseille and Aix where large Christmas festivals are annually held. Although, some French homes have Christmas trees, they’ve never been highly popular and the focal point of Christmas in France has always been around the crèche. Even now, in many Cathedral squares, the story of Christ’s birth will be re-enacted by players or puppets.

The minute you take a step in France, you’ll notice the French are all about their food. France has rich culinary traditions and much of this can be found in many of the wonderful foods prepared at Chrismastime. The French are known for their beautiful display windows in stores, showing Christmas treats that are for sale. Candied fruits, cookies, and cakes are widely available as well as delicious breads. My personal French Christmas favorite is salted butter caramels.

Different things are eaten for Christmas dinner depending on the region. Much of France's cuisine is highly regional, so this makes sense when it comes to what's on the table on Christmas. For example, in the Alsace region, many families will feast upon goose for their main course. In Paris, foie gras is eaten along with oysters. In Burgundy, many families have turkey with chestnuts.

French families will bake a yule log shaped cake, which is usually made out of chocolate. This cake is served at le reveillon which is a late meal served after the midnight mass on Christmas Eve. Le reveillon is usually the largest feast of the season which would replace what Americans call Christmas dinner.