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Do the French have Christmas presents?
In many countries, families gather and give gifts on Christmas Day. But French people tend to exchange gifts on the night of Christmas Eve (le réveillon (de Noël)), rather than on Christmas Day (Noël/le jour de Noël), although kids do often get their presents from le Pere Noël on Christmas morning.
How do the French decorate for Christmas?
Decorating for Christmas is very common in France. Many households, public spaces, and businesses are decorated with lights and Christmas trees. Advent wreaths (Couronnes de l’Avent) are also common, they are made up of fir and pine tree branches for the first Sunday of Advent.
What do the French call Christmas Eve?
La veille de Noël is Christmas Eve. The night of Christmas Eve is also called la nuit de Noël. On the night of Christmas Eve, there is a special meal to celebrate the very beginning of Christmas Day. This traditional Christmas Eve dinner is called le réveillon de Noël.
What do people do in France for Christmas?
It is very important for French people to have their Christmas dining table looking extremely elegant and inviting. It’s common to put three candlesticks on the table, which represent the Trinity. An interesting French Christmas tradition is that the French knot the ends of the tablecloth so the Devil can’t get under the table. 9. The sapin de noël
Where do they put Christmas lights in France?
Although the French don’t necessarily decorate the outside of their houses with une guirlande électrique (string lights), French towns and villages usually do have some Christmas lights. A large Christmas tree next to the city hall or on the city main square is also customary.
Where do French children leave their shoes on Christmas Day?
French children leave their shoes out in front of the fireplace – la cheminée, or around the Christmas tree – le sapin de Noël. When they awake on Christmas Day, they hope to find that le Père Noël has visited and that the shoes (les souliers) are filled and surrounded by gifts – des cadeaux.
When do you put up your Christmas tree in France?
However, most French households have their French Christmas tree set up by about 15 December and street decorations are usually up from the first Sunday of Advent. There are three species available: spruce, Nordmann and noble fir trees.