The Christmas season with all its festivities is fast upon us. In France, Christmas is called Noël and is celebrated somewhat differently than it is here in the United States.
In parts of France, the celebration begins on December 6, with la fete de Saint Nicolas, when parents traditionally give gifts to their children. On Christmas Eve, children, in hopeful expectation, leave their shoes by the fireplace for le Père Noël, Santa Claus, to bestow gifts. Christmas Day festivities typically begin at midnight, when families gather for worship and a celebratory dinner, le Réveillon, after midnight mass. Adults usually wait until New Year's Day to exchange gifts. The season doesn't end until the final celebration on Epiphany, on January 6.
How do you celebrate the season? The celebration begins for me tonight, as Monsieur and I will attend the first party of the season, given by the local Historical Society for its members and their guests, and located in one of the city's historical homes, the Pompeiian Villa. It is always a pleasure to tour the home, decorated in all its Christmas finery, and to visit with other patrons dedicated to the preservation of our local history.
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| The Pompeiian Villa Port Arthur, Texas |
Saturday we will spend the day in Galveston at their annual festival, Dickens on the Strand. This event has signified the beginning of the Christmas season for us for many, many years. We started taking our children when they were young, and now they accompany us with their families. It has become a tradition that cannot be missed. There are vendors selling handmade crafts and food, and the local shops are filled with seasonal wares. And, of course, all involved are dressed in period costumes and the area is decorated to resemble Victorian England. I hope to share pictures with you next time.
Until then, wishing you a lovely beginning to the season.
p.s. If you may need a small gift for a friend or loved one, maybe an item of handmade jewelry would fit the bill. I invite you to take a peek in my shops via the link above. Merci.
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