Christmas in France Christmas in France is a family holiday, a religious festival, and a celebration for children. New Year's Day, however, is the time for the adult festival when gifts are exchanged and greeting calls made. Though traditions vary from one area of France to another, midnight mass, a very important aspect of the season, marks the beginning of the festivities. Young children do not accompany their parents to mass, but place their shoes by the fireside before going to bed. After midnight mass, the rest of the family members return home to a grand celebration known as le r veillon .
Foods vary according to the region if France.
Old French legends say that on Christmas Eve animals throughout the countryside are given the power to speak and predict the future, but that they will not use this power if they know a human is listening. This tradition originates from the old belief that at the end of each year, as the days become shorter, the sun stays still for 12 days in a row. The Yule Log is supposed to be large enough to burn throughout this period to keep away bad luck. In areas where the tradition of the Yule Log has fallen into disuse, a cake shaped like a log is made to symbolize the Yule Log. Preparations began weeks in advance as food and presents were prepared.