Une crèche provençale

Having a crib for Christmas is a very old tradition. It is said that it has been invented in the 13^th century in Italy. But in France we like to consider that the crèche was definitely born just after the French Revolution.

In France, it was born in Provence, a region of southeastern France. But it rapidly became a real French tradition. Every little character is produced from an original mould. Then, it’s dried, and finally it’s painted with bright colours.

So, it is now a tradition for French people to have, next to the Christmas Tree, a little Nativity scene.

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Un réveillon Français

In France, as in many other countries, Christmas is a time for family and for generosity. There are many family reunions, and people usually give each other some gifts.

The celebration of Christmas in France varies by region, but I think the main differences are only about food. We, French people, have a long dinner on the Christmas Eve, on the 24^th of December and also a big lunch on the 25^th of December, which is a bank holiday. But in some parts of France, (especially in the east), La Fête de Saint Nicolas on the 6^th of December marks the beginning of the Christmas season.

The 24^th of December is called the Christmas Eve or Le Réveillon. While adults have a huge dinner (everybody knows French people and their unconditional love for food), children leave their shoes by the fireplace before they go to sleep, so that the Père Noël (Santa Claus) can fill them with gifts.

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French Poularde de Noel (Capon stuffed with chestnuts and truffles)

Ingredients.

2 shallots, salt and pepper, 1/4 teaspoon thyme

1 tablespoon butter

1/4 pound sausage meat and 1/4 pound small sausages

1/4 pound bread crumbs, soaked in milk to cover for 10 minutes

1/4 cup Cognac

2 fresh mushroom caps, sliced, 1 large black truffle, 1 pound chestnuts

1 three-pound chicken

1 carrot, chopped, 1 small onion, minced, 1 celery stalk, 1 sprig fresh thyme

1 bay leaf, 2 sprigs parsley, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 cup Port

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Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Finally! It’s snowing in London!
Time for some hot chocolate, a big jumber and telling stories by the fireplace.. or the heater.
Christmas has officially started.
We love it.

~ By Steffi Posthumus

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