French Christmas Celebration Part 2 !free! -

A unique microcosm of French Christmas theology exists in Provence. The 13 desserts represent Christ (the central figure) and the 12 Apostles. They are not eaten at once but served sequentially after mass.

The French rarely send Christmas cards. Instead, they send New Year’s cards ( Cartes de Vœux ) throughout the month of January to wish loved ones, colleagues, and neighbors health and happiness. Epiphany and the Galette des Rois French Christmas Celebration Part 2

: Unlike many other cultures, the French Christmas meal often features sea food delicacies like oysters, lobster, and boudin blanc France Today Extending the Celebration La Fête des Rois (Epiphany) A unique microcosm of French Christmas theology exists

: Platters of raw oysters ( huîtres ), sea snails, and prawns are standard. The French rarely send Christmas cards

The major exception to the post-Christmas return to work is the northeastern region of Alsace-Moselle. Due to historical ties and legal precedents retained from periods of German governance, December 26 is celebrated as Saint Stephen’s Day ( Saint-Étienne ). It is an official public holiday in this region. Shops, banks, and government offices remain closed, allowing families an extra day to gather, finish leftovers from the Réveillon feast, and visit local holiday markets. The Continuity of the Crèche

At midnight, the French exchange kisses on the cheek ( la bise ) and wish each other a prosperous year with the phrase "Bonne Année!" Interestingly, while Anglo-American cultures associate mistletoe ( le gui ) with Christmas romance, the French specifically hang mistletoe during the New Year as a symbol of good luck and vitality for the months ahead. New Year's Day Greeting Cards