Christmas in France

 

Before going to bed, children put their shoes by the fireside for a gift from le père de Noël or le petit Jésus. Le père Noël is supposed to award children who had a good behaviour during the past year. He travels with his companion called Père Fouettard, his negative counterpart, who spanks naughty children.

Formerly, peasants’ wooden shoes, called sabots, were often used at Christmas time, but today shoes of any kind are set before the fireplace or around the tree to contain gifts. However, the sabots are not forgotten - chocolate wooden shoes are made by pastry shops and filled with candies.

In the North of France Père Noël brings small gifts on St. Nicholas Eve (December 6) and visits again on Christmas.