5 things they don’t tell you about... Christmas in france

FROM LA MESSE DE MINUIT TO LES CADEAUX, FIND OUT ABOUT TYPICAL FRENCH TRADITIONS LA MESSE DE MINUIT Even though only around two million people out of a total population of 68 million go to

church regularly, it is perfectly acceptable to bowl up to midnight mass acting like you last attended mass yesterday.  You get extra points if you are accompanied by well-behaved children

who smile nicely at the priest. Amen! LES CHANTS DE NOËL Needless to say, France has a good repertoire of Christmas carols including French lyrics to Silent Night.  But the classic, always

bellowed out with gusto at the end of midnight mass, is Il est né le Devin Enfant – just in case you nodded off and missed the big event. Chantons tous!  LA FAMILLE Christmas is definitely a

time for gathering the family together and, if required, humouring venerable elders.  People who are resolute vegetarians all year round find themselves obediently tucking into a roast

prepared in the traditional style (lots of butter and wine) by Mamie (Grandma) and La Tantine (Auntie). Ca fait du bien! LE RÉVEILLON DE NOËL  This gargantuan feast includes oysters, foie

gras, smoked salmon, roast meat (often, but not always, turkey), cheese, salad and a chocolate log called a bûche de Noël. It often lasts all night, which is why midnight mass is nowadays

often celebrated in the early evening. Christmas Day is used for sleeping it off. LES CADEAUX Between adults, gifts are often exchanged at midnight during the Réveillon. Children however,

usually receive them on Christmas Day. Les gosses don't get Christmas stockings, because St Nicholas distributes chocolate in schools on December 6 – although he used to fill shoes left

out in the fireplace or on the windowsill. Joyeux Noël!