Christmas Day in France is celebrated every 25th of December each year, just like the rest of the world. it is a public holiday in France and Christians regard this as a major celebration that commemorates the birth of Jesus.
About the Christmas Day France
Christmas Day is a public holiday in France. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed. Many people in France put up a Christmas tree, visit a special church service, eat an elaborate meal and open Christmas presents on Christmas Eve. However, special Christmas meals are also popular. Many people spend Christmas Day quietly and some attend a special church service. Popular activities also include walking in a park or the countryside and sharing a meal with family and close friends.
Christmas Day France History
Christians celebrate Christmas Day by remembering the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem around the year 3 BCE (the date varies depending on different sources). Christianity was introduced to the area that is now France at the time of the Roman Empire, around 300 CE. This religion has played an important role in the history of France.
Read Also: Good Friday in Ireland
Dates
As mentioned earlier, Christmas Day in France is held every 25th of December each year.
Why Celebrate
Perhaps almost all Christians celebrate Christmas every year on the 25th of December. If you are one, then you should celebrate this day as well. This can be a good opportunity for you to spend a good time with your family and friends as your give gifts to each other and share delicious meals. It is indeed one of the most exciting times of the year, if not the most. Hence, you should not pass up the celebration of this day.
Celebration Ideas and Activities
The following are the best things to do to make your celebration of Christmas Day in France as best as it can be:
Bond with Family
You can celebrate this day by bonding with your family. spend Christmas Eve with your family as you tell stories to each other and give gifts to each other. You can also help your family prepare foods that you will eat together. It is also a good time to reunite with your relatives and catch up with each other’s lives.
Eat Delicious Foods
You can also celebrate this day by eating delicious French foods commonly prepared for Christmas. These foods include the following:
- Rabbit terrine.
- Brouillade de truffes (omelet with truffles).
- Roasted capon (a small bird).
- Salad, peas, green beans, carrots, and potatoes.
- Aigo-boulido (garlic soup).
- Papillottes (small chocolate candies wrapped in shiny paper)
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, The Advent wreath is topped by four candles, symbolizing the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. Each candle is lit on each of the Sundays before Christmas
Celebrate on Social Media
You can also take your celebration of this day on social media. You can, for instance, use the hashtag #ChristmasDayInFrance to let your friends and followers know that you are also participating in the celebration of this special day.
Greetings
- Joyeux Noël – “Merry Christmas.”
- Meilleurs vœux – “good wishes” or “best wishes.”
- Bonnes et Heureuses Fêtes! / Joyeuses Fêtes – “Happy Holidays”
- Bonne année et bonne santé – “Happy New Year and good health”
- Vœux de Bonheur pour un Joyeux Noël – “Happy wishes for a Merry Christmas,”
- Meilleurs Souhaits pour Le Nouvel An – “Best wishes for the New Year.”
- Je vous souhaite d’excellentes fêtes, et bonne année – “I wish you an excellent holiday and a Happy New Year”
- Que l’année ___ vous procure bonheur, santé et prospérité – “That the year ___ brings you happiness, health and prosperity”
- Passez un Joyeux Noël en famille- “Have/Spend a good Christmas with your family.”