In France, Christmas Eve is when most of the celebrating is done. This is when families will gather for feasting on traditional foods including foie gras, seafood, chestnut dressing, and a bûche de Noël. Many times le Père Noël (Father Christmas) will make an appearance and distribute gifts to the children. Many people also attend midnight mass.

Christmas Decorating

Americans and French probably decorate in similar ways for the holidays. Most families will decorate a tree, called le sapin de Noël. What goes on the tree is really up to each person's creativity, but the French do like red ribbons and little white candles.

The Crêche

In many homes, you will find a nativity scene known as la crêche as part of the Christmas celebration. These range from the very simple to elaborate affairs with lights, candles, music,...
Most towns will also have a nativity scene put up for Christmas, perhaps in the town square or near city hall. Many businesses will have one as well, and there are even competitions for the best nativity scene. One charming aspect to all of these crêches is that it is only on Christmas day that the baby Jesus is added to the nativity scene.

Candles

The French love to decorate with candles for Christmas. The nativity scenes will most times be lit with candles and lighting the room with dozens of candles is a quick and easy way to add a festive mood to any occasion.
Many families in France make a wreath, known as la couronne, which lies flat on the table and holds four red candles. The first candle is lit on the first day of Advent, or the fourth Sunday before Christmas day. Each subsequent Sunday another candle is lit. The four candles are said to represent the four seasons, the four cardinal points, or hope, love, joy and peace. You pick.

Shoes, not Stockings

You've probably seen pictures of clogs, known as sabots here in France, filled with goodies. In many European countries, instead of hanging a stocking in the hopes of Christmas treats, the kids leave out their shoes on Christmas eve.