For the French Christmas was first celebrated in 496.

Christmas customs, originating in the Middle East were introduced to France by the Romans. Reims was the site of the first French Christmas celebration when, in 496, Clovis purposely chose the day of the Nativity to have his 3,000 warriors baptised.

The fir tree was first presented as the holy tree of Christmas in Strasbourg in 1605. It was decorated with artificial coloured roses and apples, and symbolised the tree in the garden of Eden.

Nowadays, family celebrations begin a few days before Christmas when candles and stars are added to the Christmas tree. On Christmas Eve, small toys, sweets and fruits are also added to the tree.

Another custom is that of the manger, ‘la crèche’, which originated in the 12^th century. Today, many families arrange a manger on a small stage in a prominent part of the house. Little terra-cotta figures are used to represent the holy family.

At midnight there is Christmas Mass, when all churches and cathedrals are magnificently lit and echo with the joyful melodies of bells and carols.

When the family returns home after midnight mass, there is a late supper known as ‘le reveillon’. This meal varies according to the region in France, in Alsace, a goose is eaten, in Burgundy, a turkey, in Brittany, galettes with sour cream and in Paris, oysters and foie gras

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Children don’t usually attend midnight mass, but before going to bed they leave a shoe by the fireplace for ‘le pere de Noel’ to leave a gift or two !!..