This report focuses on the gastronomic and traditional "hot" highlights
A French Christmas in December is cold. You cannot survive a six-hour meal without internal heating. The French have perfected the science of hot alcoholic beverages better than any ski resort. french christmas celebration part 2 hot
Wait—isn't the Yule log a cake? Usually, yes. But in part 2 of our "hot" theme, we must mention the actual burning log. In rural Provence and parts of Southern France, an old tradition remains: Le Cacho fio . After the church service, the family burns a huge cherry wood log in the fireplace. A local elder blesses it with mulled wine (more on that later) and prays for a fruitful harvest. The log is doused with hot wine to make it sizzle. This is the literal "hot" Christmas celebration that predates the cake. This report focuses on the gastronomic and traditional
No French Christmas is complete without a visit to a local Marché de Noël , where the air is thick with the scent of woodsmoke and spices. These markets are the primary source for the season’s most iconic hot treats: Wait—isn't the Yule log a cake
While many cultures celebrate primarily on December 25th, the French "big event" is often the , a late-night feast on Christmas Eve. The Menu: High-end delicacies are standard. Expect to see , fresh oysters , smoked salmon , and a main course of roasted fowl —traditionally a or capon stuffed with chestnuts The Dessert: No French Christmas is complete without the Bûche de Noël