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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Dutch gezelligheid

The Dutch like to party. Not only do they celebrate Sinterklaas on the 5^th of December, they also

celebrate Christmas three times: Christmas Eve (24^th). First Christmas Day (25^th) and Second Christmas Day (26^th).

Christmas Eve
On Christmas Eve most Catholics go to church, the Protestants go to morning service. During both services people will sing typical Dutch Christmas songs.

Since 2004 there are too little churches for all the people that want to go to the Christmas services. Normally, very few Dutch go to church, but it has gotten quite popular to go to a Christmas service. Especially in the churches of Amsterdam it’s a social event rather than a religious event.

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