France

Image source: Flags of the World. CIA: The World Factbook. Retrieved October 23, 2010, from  [].

= __FRANCE __ =

//Holiday Traditions //
The holiday season in France varies from region to region. In some areas, especially in the east of the country, people will start their celebration on December 6, la fête de Saint Nicolas, a celebration of St. Nicholas. On the St. Nicholas Eve children will put their shoes out in the hopes of St. Nicholas filling them with candies and other treats.

In other areas the actual celebration will begin on Christmas Eve. This is a very special day, in which the entire family will feast before attending midnight Mass. After Mass there would be many church bells ringing and singing of French carols. Families then go home and feast. Children will place their shoes out in the hopes that Pere Noel or baby Jesus will fill them with treats.

Nearly every home in France will display a nativity scene in the home during the holidays--some more elaborate than others. Children are invited to participate in these by adding small rocks or moss.

More information can be found on Christmas traditions in France by visiting the France section on The History of Christmas or by visiting the Christmas Traditions in France section of The Learning Channel website.

Image source: Prof en Retraite. Confessions of a Plate Addict. Retrieved on October 23, 2010, from  [].

//Food//
The type of food eaten on Christmas will vary by region. One thing that is common is making a Yule log, replacing what was an actual log that used to be burned through the season. A recipe for a traditional Yule log can be found on AFTouch Cuisine. Another tradition is to end the holiday season on Epiphany on January 6 with a //galette de rois//.

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Video source: Payard, Francois. The Making of Galette des rois. Retrieved October 23, 2010, from[| http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1157978438165403943&hl=en#].

References <span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 80%;">The History of Christmas. //France – Christmas traditions and customs.// Retrieved October 20, 2010, from <span class="wiki_link_ext">[]. <span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 80%;">Toast, Sarah. //Christmas traditions around the world: Christmas traditions in France.// Retrieved October 20, 2010, from <span class="wiki_link_ext">[].

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