The Magic of a Southern French Christmas for Families
(8-minute read)
Christmas traditions differ around the world, and in the South of France you’ll find some of the most unique. A particular favourite of ours at Country Kids is coming together as a family to dress the Christmas tree and create our Provençal nativity scene, though there are many others that bring the magic of the season to life in the Occitanie region.
Here, among the rolling hills and historic towns, Christmas traditions are a celebration of warmth, community, and customs that have been passed down through generations over many centuries.
Embracing the Enchantment of an Occitanie Christmas
Christmas traditions in the South of France are an affair like no other. The Occitanie region, stretching from the Midi-Pyrénées to Languedoc-Roussillon, explodes with the festive spirit, offering an experience of Christmas traditions that is both intimate and enchanting.
The undeniable charm of the Christmas traditions in this corner of southern France lies in their ability to fuse the quaint with the grand. Medieval towns and picturesque villages are illuminated by festive lights. The scent of mulled wine lingers in the crisp winter air. The streets buzz with the harmonies of carol singers, and the sight of children dressed as elves and fairies brings a whimsical touch to the festive season.
The sense of togetherness, community, the warm smiles exchanged between strangers, and the open-armed welcome to outsiders define the region at this special time of year.
The Joy of Local Christmas Traditions: How Families Celebrate in Occitanie
One of the most charming aspects of an Occitanie Christmas is the local Christmas traditions that have been cherished for centuries.
On Christmas Eve, children dress up as elves and fairies, a delightful tradition that brings the story of Christmas traditions to life in the streets of these southern French towns. As the children parade through the streets, you can feel the excitement building.
Another beloved tradition in Occitanie is the creation of a Provençal crèche. This isn’t simply a nativity scene. It’s a work of art, crafted with clay figures known as ‘santons’. These represent the Holy Family and an array of local characters, which may include shepherds, bakers, and even fishermen. These scenes are a celebration of life, and families like ours take a great deal of pride in adding new figures to their crèche each year.
While the nativity scene holds a special place in the hearts of the Occitans, the Christmas tree is also an integral part of the festive decorations. The tree stands proudly alongside the crèche to create a tableau that’s both traditional and uniquely French.
Postcards from Père Noël: A French Childhood Delight
In France, the magic of Christmas traditions includes the custom of writing letters to ‘Père Noël’. And each child who does so is guaranteed a response – it’s been the law in France since 1962. The excitement of receiving a postcard from Père Noël, carefully delivered by the postman, adds an extra layer of joy to the holiday season.
Children pour their hearts into their letters, asking for gifts and sharing their hopes for the festive season. When the postcard arrives, it’s a moment of excitement, and confirmation that Père Noël really does exist – which, of course, we all know he does. It’s a truly magical experience to watch our children’s faces light up brighter than the Christmas star as they hold Père Noël’s postcard in their hands. It’s a Christmas tradition that all families cherish.
Shoes by the Fire: A Unique French Twist on Gift-Giving
You may hang a stocking by the fire on Christmas Eve, but in the South of France this Christmas tradition takes on a unique twist. Children here don’t hang stockings – they line up their shoes! Of course, the hope is the same – that they will be filled with gifts for when they awake in the morning.
It’s one of the simplest yet most heartwarming of our Christmas traditions, a humble reminder that the magic lies in the anticipation of small surprises, and the look of gratitude and happiness on the faces of our youngest family members. It’s a joyful memory that never fades.
Exploring the Christmas Traditions Markets: A Feast for the Senses
No experience of Christmas traditions in the South of France would be complete without a visit to the local Christmas markets, where the spirit of the season is on full display.
In Montpellier, ‘Les Hivernales’ transforms the city into a winter wonderland, complete with a giant Christmas tree, twinkling lights, and more than 100 stalls offering everything from handmade crafts to gourmet delights. The market is spread throughout a maze of streets, with people’s hot breath induced by a sip of hot cocoa or glass of warm mulled wine, dancing tight circles in the cool evening air.
In Narbonne, the ‘Les Féeries de Noël’ brings a different kind of festive magic. The city’s historic centre is adorned with lights, and the Christmas market on the Cours de la République is a feast for all your senses. Christmas aromas flood the streets, while the sound of joyful laughter lingers in the air. There’s an ice rink for the kids, and the funfair adds an extra layer of excitement.
These markets are more than just places to shop; they’re where the community comes together to celebrate Christmas traditions in all their splendour.
Savouring the Flavours of Christmas Tradition
The culinary Christmas traditions of the South of France are a feast for both the senses and the soul. The highlight of the season is the Christmas Eve Réveillon. Custom dictates that this meal is enjoyed on Christmas Eve, often lasting through to Christmas Day and thus welcoming in Christmas in the best way.
Our menu, as is the custom across Occitanie, is filled with some of the Occitanie’s finest produce battling for contention in the list of Occitanie foods you’ll love. With delights such as oysters, foie gras, and venison on the menu, every bite is infused with the flavour of Christmas.
Centre stage is the Christmas tradition of bûche de Noël, a chocolate sponge cake log, and a fitting sweet finale. (In some parts of the South, the tradition of 13 desserts is still observed, a nod to the Last Supper that adds a spiritual dimension to the feast.)
The real star of the show, though, is having those you love around the table with you – the true embodiment of the spirit of Occitanie’s Christmas traditions.
La Fête des Rois: Extending the Magic into the New Year
As the Christmas season draws to a close, we find a way to extend it! On the 6th of January, we celebrate La Fête des Rois, or Kings’ Day.
This day is marked by the sharing of the Galette des Rois, a special tart with a hidden fève, or charm, inside. The person who finds the fève in their slice is crowned king or queen for the day, a delightful tradition that brings a sense of fun and light-heartedness to the New Year.
This tradition is more than just a game; it’s a way to extend the joy of Christmas traditions into the first days of the New Year, keeping the festive spirit alive for longer. For families in the South of France, it’s a sweet and memorable way to bid farewell to the holiday season.
Community and Generosity: The True Spirit of Southern French Christmas Traditions
At the heart of Christmas traditions in the South of France is the warmth of community and the spirit of generosity that defines the season.
In Occitanie, Christmas traditions are not just about celebrating with family, but also about reaching out to those in need and welcoming outsiders with open arms. It’s a time when people come together to share the joy of the season, ensuring that no one is left out in the cold.
Whether it’s through the simple act of sharing a meal, donating to those less fortunate, or simply spreading kindness, the true spirit of Christmas is found in the sense of belonging and togetherness that permeates every celebration. It’s a reminder that, at its heart, Christmas traditions are about love, generosity, and the joy of being together.
When the season comes to its conclusion, we begin to prepare for a new season of welcoming guests to Country Kids. Filled with the warmth and generosity of Christmas, it’s the perfect time to get to work on making every day like Christmas for our guests when they arrive. Why not join us for your next multi-generational family holiday?
Contact us today to discover how your time with us is as unique as our Christmas traditions.
