Christmas in France has one of the biggest Christmas markets in Europe. The market is held in Strasbourg, North-Eastern France. In France, to decorate homes, a Nativity crib is commonly used. When December comes, fairs that sell Nativity figures are organized in some towns and cities such as Marseilles. French scenes also have figures such as a Butcher, a Baker, a Policeman, and a Priest.
In houses in France, Yule logs made out of cherry wood are usually burned. As a tradition in old times, the log was carried into the home on Christmas eve and sprinkled with red wine so that it gave a savory and nice smell while it was burning up.
Another tradition that is practiced is the left of the log and candles burning all night alongside some food and drinks left I the eventuality that Mary and the baby Jesus come past during the night.
The main meal is called ‘ Réveillon’ and is eaten on Christmas Eve/early Christmas morning after people have returned from the midnight Church Service. Other dishes that you might find in a French Christmas setting include roast turkey with chestnuts or roast goose, oysters, foie gras, lobster, venison and cheeses. For dessert, a chocolate sponge cake log called a bûche de Noël.
In some parts of France, 13 different desserts are eaten! All the desserts are made from different types of Fruit, Nuts, and Pastries. Epiphany, called Fête des Rois in French, is also celebrated in France on January 6th. Christmas in France in a beautiful thing.
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