French Christmas Celebration Part 2 • Safe & Safe

We all know Père Noël , but the French Christmas Celebration has a darker, older stratum of folklore, especially in Eastern France (Alsace, Lorraine, and Franche-Comté).

A French Christmas is not an event; it is a process. It is the slow accumulation of butter, cream, and wine. It is the terrifying thrill of a child seeing Père Fouettard in a parade. It is the argument between an uncle from Paris who wants a chocolate bûche and a grandmother from Provence who insists on the pompe à l’huile . French Christmas Celebration Part 2

: Often starts with Champagne and small bites like smoked salmon on blinis, oysters , or foie gras served with brioche. We all know Père Noël , but the

Dried fruits and nuts (raisins, figs, almonds, and walnuts). Pompe à l’Huile It is the terrifying thrill of a child

(King’s Cake), where whoever finds the hidden "fève" (charm) in their slice gets to wear the paper crown for the day. Joyeux Noël

Celebrated on January 6th, this marks the end of the holiday season with the Galette des Rois