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 24th of December and also a big lunch on the 25th of December, which is a bank holiday. But in some parts of France, (especially in the east), La Fête de Saint Nicolas on the 6th of December marks the beginning of the Christmas season.
The 24th 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.
Global Xmas 