Pere Noel
Country of Origin: France

ll year long, children of France look forward to a visit by Pere Noël (Father Christmas) and his pet donkey, Mistletoe, on Christmas Eve. In preparation, they decorate their homes just like homes in the United States, with fine greenery and a beautiful Christmas tree filled with treasured ornaments.

However, special attention is paid to the creation of the “crèche” (nativity) scene. In French nativity sets, you will not only find figures of Mary, Joseph, sheep and Wise Men, but shop keepers, farmers, fisherman, provincial townsfolk, dogs and cats. These figures representing people and things from all walks of life are called “les santons” (little saints). On Christmas Eve, baby Jesus is added to the crèche and most families gather to eat a large dinner called “Le Reveillon”.

At the end of this feast they serve a special dessert cake decorated to look like a Yule log called “Buche de Noël.” Finally, after bellies are full, and little eyes grow heavy, the family gets ready for Pere Noël. Children fill their shoes with carrots and hay and leave them by the fireplace and a glass of wine is poured to sit beside them.

When the families fall asleep, Pere Noël travels with Mistletoe and an overflowing bag of gifts to each home. He quietly removes the carrots and hay left in the shoes for his friendly donkey, and replaces it with candies and presents for the children. Pere Noël drinks heartily from the wineglass and nibbles on the leftover crumbs from the Buche de Noel dessert before he heads off to bring a Merry Christmas to the next family. Should you ever see Pere Noël in route to France, be sure to wish him a “Joyeux Noël et Bonne Annèe”! (Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!)