Top 10 Fun Noël Facts

10. In France, Christmas is often referred to as Noël. This harkens back to the French phrase, "les bonnes nouvelles," which means 'the good news' and refers to the gospel (Bible). 

9. While Christmas trees aren't very popular in France, some French still burn a log from Christmas Eve until New Year's Day as part of the ancient tradition of ensuring good luck for the next harvest.

8. However, it is still very much a tradition to consume the Yule Log cake, or Bûche de Noël, as part of the Christmas feast. (For information on the Bûche de Noël and recipe to make your own, please visit our post from last week).

7. Another French holiday tradition involves the Three Kings Cake. Generally a puffed pastry confection with an almond filling, the cake would have a dried bean baked inside. Whomever was lucky enough to find the bean in his/her slice was crowned king or queen for the rest of the day. 

6. The region of France typically dictates the traditional menu for the Christmas feast. Alsace typically serves goose, while Burgundy tradition involves turkey with chestnuts, and Parisians serve oysters and pâté de foie gras.

5. Once the feast has been eaten, the fire is left burning and food and drinks are left out in case the Virgin Mary decides to call.

4. In the northern regions of France, children can expect their presents on December 6, St. Nicholas' Day, while adults typically give and receive their presents on New Year's Day.

Père Noël in 1910

3. In France, Santa is referred to as le Père Noël.

2. On Christmas Eve, children leave their shoes by the fireplace to be filled with gifts from Père Noël. (Often, they would even leave carrots and treats for  Père Noël's donkey in the shoes).

1. In 1962, a law was passed in France, declaring that all letters written to Père Noël must receive a
response.

We hope you enjoyed this brief foray into some French holiday fun facts.

Joyeux Noël!