CHRISTMAS IN FRANCE TRADITIONS AND CAROLS

CHRISTMAS IN FRANCE In France, Christmas is a time for family and generosity –People celebrate with family reunions, gifts and candy for children, gifts for the poor, Midnight Mass, and le Réveillon. Christmas celebrations in France vary by region –Most regions celebrate on December 25 th (Bank Holiday) –In Eastern and Northern France Christmas Season begins December 6 with la fête de Saint Nicolas

CHRISTMAS IN FRANCE A special celebration during the Christmas season in France is celebrated on December 8 in Lyon –la Fête de lumières: The people of Lyon pay homage to the virgin Mary by putting candles in windows to light the village All cities have their own unique traditions, just like in America. –What holiday traditions are there in Sault Ste. Marie?

CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS In France Children put their shoes by the fire –Similar to American Children and stockings –Children hope to receive gifts in their shoes as well as candy, small toys, fruit and nuts to be hung on the tree by Père Noël (Father Christmas AKA Santa Claus). In France Children strive to be good and not have a visit from Père Fouettard –He gives naughty children spankings, the equivalent to coal in the stockings

CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS Another Christmas tradition is attending la Messe de Minuit on Christmas Eve –This is followed by a HUGE feast call le Réveillon. –le Réveillon is a symbolic awakening to the meaning of Christ's birth –THIS is where culinary high point of the season takes place with each region having its own unique menu –After le Réveillon it's customary to leave a candle burning in case the Virgin Mary passes by.

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS The main decoration of the season is the sapin de Noël (Christmas Tree) –It is found in homes, streets, stores etc. –It was first introduced in France in 1837 The other important decoration is the crèche (Nativity) –This is displayed in homes and churches and is a very important part of the French Christmas Season

CHRISTMAS VOCABULARY Christmas = Noël Santa Claus = Le Père Noël Merry Christmas = Joyeux Noël Angel = un ange Christmas card = une carte de Noël Christmas Carol = un chant de Noël Christmas Day = le jour de Noël Christmas Eve = la veille de Noël Christmas party = la fête de Noël

CHRISTMAS VOCABULARY Christmas present = un cadeau de Noël Christmas tree = le sapin de Noël Mistletoe = le gui New Year's Day = le Jour de l'An New Year's Eve = la Saint-Sylvestre Reindeer = un renne Shepherd = un berger Sleigh = un traîneau Snow = la neige

CHRISTMAS VOCABULARY Snowball = une boule de neige Snowman = un bonhomme de neige Toy = un jouet white Christmas = Noël sous la neige Yule log = la bûche de Noël Happy New Year: Bonne année

CHRISTMAS CAROLS VIVE LE VENT Vive le vent, Vive le vent d’hiver, Qui s’en va sifflant, soufflant Dans les grands sapins verts. OH! Vive le temps, vive le temps, Vive le temps d’hiver, Boule de neige et jour de l’an Et bonne année grand-mère!

CHRISTMAS CAROLS BOULES DE GUI Boules de gui et houx sauvage La la la la la, la la la la Aux fenêtres de belles images La la la la la, la la la la Mettons nos habits de fête La la la la la la,la la la Et nous chantons a tue-tête La la la la la, la la la la

CHRISTMAS CAROLS Mon Beau Sapin: Mon beau sapin, Roi des forêts, Que j’aime ta verdure. (Repeat Once) Quand vient l’hiver Bois et guérets Sont dépouillés, de leurs attraits Mon beau sapin, Roi des forêts, Tu gardes ta parure.

CHRISTMAS CAROLS Douce Nuit Douce nuit, sainte nuit! Dans les cieux! L’astre luit. Le mystère annoncé s’accomplit. Cet enfant sur la paille endormit, C’est l’amour infini, C’est l’amour infini!