French Holiday Traditions: Christmas & New Year Essentials

French Christmas (Noël)

Christmas in France combines religious traditions with modern customs, each with its own special vocabulary and phrases.

Key Christmas Traditions

Le Réveillon (Christmas Eve Dinner)

• "On fait le Réveillon chez mamie?" (Are we having Christmas Eve dinner at grandma's?)
• Traditional late dinner on December 24th
• Features oysters, foie gras, turkey, bûche de Noël

Le Petit Noël (Christmas Morning)

1. "Le Père Noël est passé!" (Santa Claus came!)

• First morning expression children say

2. "On ouvre les cadeaux?" (Shall we open the presents?)

• Traditional morning question

Essential Christmas Phrases

1. "Joyeux Noël!" (Merry Christmas!)

• Standard greeting from December 24-25

2. "Bonnes fêtes!" (Happy Holidays!)

• Used throughout December

3. "Père Noël m'a gâté(e)" (Santa spoiled me)

• Common phrase after receiving gifts

Regional Traditions

1. Alsace:

• "Marché de Noël" (Christmas Market)
• Famous for traditional markets

2. Provence:

• "Les treize desserts" (The thirteen desserts)
• Traditional Christmas dessert selection

Gift-Giving Vocabulary

1. "C'est pour toi" (This is for you)

• When giving presents

2. "Il ne fallait pas!" (You shouldn't have!)

• Polite response to receiving gifts

Traditional Songs

1. "Petit Papa Noël"

• Most famous French Christmas song

2. "Vive le vent" (French Jingle Bells)

• Popular children's Christmas song

Food-Related Phrases

1. "On trinque!" (Let's toast!)

• Before Christmas meal

2. "C'est fait maison" (It's homemade)

• Pride in traditional dishes