It’s going to be the first time I will spend Christmas away from home. I didn’t think I’d miss it that much.
In France, all cities and villages have their Christmas market where you can drink “du vin chaud” (hot wine) and eat a lot of “papillottes” (Christmas chocolate). Running during all of December, these markets have a lot of stalls in little wooden huts. Displays often include sweets, gourmet food, local food, jewellery, crafts and toys. The most popular and finest Christmas market in France is the one in Strasbourg.
Christmas is usually the only time in the year when the whole family (including uncles, aunts, cousins, grandparents) is gathered. We all meet on the evening of December the 24th (or December the 25th) and have a huge meal with the traditional “foie gras” and its toasts, and the delicious “bûche de Noël” (yule log) as a dessert. I used to prepare the bûches with my mum, always choosing the chocolate and strawberry jam flavours – yummy!
When we were younger, my cousins and I used to put our shoes under the Christmas tree or near the chimney waiting for “le Père Noël” to put down the presents. We then used to sing all the traditional Christmas songs such as “Petit Papa Noel” or “Vive le vent”. There was (and there still is) such a good and warm atmosphere where everyone enjoys the family gathering.
In France, every family has its own Christmas tree decorated with colourful tinsel and Christmas baubles. We also hang a star on the top. The living-room is often decorated with holly. In the garden children build snowmen and go sledging – weather providing..!
Author: Violaine Sabot
Date: 23 November 2009
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