Have you ever wondered how your holiday traditions might surprise someone across the Atlantic? Growing up in Texas, my perception of the holidays was shaped by unique family customs. For example, while most Americans watch the ball drop in Times Square to celebrate New Year’s Eve (NYE), our family, due to the time zone difference, would watch Mexico City’s festivities on Univision. It was always a quirky tradition to celebrate an hour earlier! As a child, another favorite tradition was going Christmas caroling in retirement homes—a heartwarming experience. But I wonder, do people still go caroling, or has it become a lost art in the age of TikTok?
Christmas: USA vs. France
In the United States, Christmas is a festive and often commercial celebration filled with lights, gifts, and gatherings. Children leave cookies and milk for Santa Claus, hoping for a bounty of presents under the tree by morning. Some traditions, like caroling or decorating gingerbread houses, add a nostalgic charm to the holiday season. Personally, singing carols in retirement homes was a beautiful way to connect with the community and spread holiday cheer.
In France, Noël is a more culinary-focused celebration. Families gather for the Réveillon feast on Christmas Eve, indulging in delicacies like foie gras, oysters, and the iconic bûche de Noël. Instead of Santa Claus, French children await Père Noël, who is equally jolly but might not receive milk and cookies—perhaps a glass of wine instead? Just kidding—or am I? The French emphasis on savoring the holiday meal contrasts with the more gift-centric traditions of the USA.
New Year's Eve: The Ball vs. Le Réveillon
New Year's Eve (NYE) in America is all about countdowns, champagne, and the iconic ball drop in Times Square. Millions watch this televised event, cheering as the clock strikes midnight. Growing up, our family’s Univision tradition added a humorous twist, celebrating New Year’s alongside Mexico City. It was a small yet memorable way to kick off the year.
French New Year’s Eve, also known as Saint-Sylvestre, exudes elegance. Families and friends gather for another Réveillon feast, complete with champagne and, often, a galette des rois to toast the coming year. While Americans shout Happy New Year amidst fireworks, the French clink glasses and wish each other Bonne Année, reflecting a more refined celebration style. Both approaches are equally festive but wonderfully distinct.
Experiencing holiday traditions from both cultures has deepened my appreciation for their diversity. From Texas to Paris, the joy of the season lies in family, food, and shared moments of celebration. If you could mix and match traditions, how would you celebrate? Maybe a holiday mash-up combining the best of both worlds is the way to go!
Whether it’s Santa or Père Noël, the ball drop or foie gras, the holidays remind us that traditions—no matter where they come from—bring people together in the spirit of joy and connection.
Holiday Vocabulary List
Stocking - Chaussette de Noël
Ornament - Décoration
Wreath - Couronne de Noël
Mistletoe - Gui
Fireplace - Cheminée
Christmas tree - Sapin de Noël
Gift - Cadeau
Snowman - Bonhomme de neige
Caroling - Chants de Noël
Candy cane - Sucre d’orge
Read the story below and fill in the blanks with the correct holiday words from the vocabulary list.
Once upon a time, on Christmas Eve 🎄, little Sophie was busy decorating her (1) ______ 🎨. She hung shiny (2) ______ 🎀 on its branches and placed a sparkling (3) ______ 🌟 on top.
In the living room, the (4) ______ 🔥 was crackling, making the whole house warm and cozy. Sophie had hung her (5) ______ 🧦 on the mantle, hoping Santa would fill it with treats and surprises.
Outside, Sophie’s family was building a (6) ______ ⛄ in the snowy yard. They gave it a scarf and a carrot nose 🥕. Meanwhile, the neighbors were (7) ______ 🎤, spreading holiday cheer with songs.
Sophie’s dad brought in a big, round (8) ______ 🌿 to hang on the front door. It smelled fresh and festive!
Later, Sophie giggled as she spotted her parents standing under the (9) ______ 😘, sharing a kiss. "Ew!" she laughed. But secretly, she loved the holiday magic.
As the clock struck midnight, Sophie opened one (10) ______ 🎁 under the tree. Inside was her favorite treat: a striped (11) ______ 🍭! “This is the best Christmas ever!” she exclaimed.
Answer Key:
Christmas tree 🎄
Ornament 🎀
Star 🌟 (or another decoration!)
Fireplace 🔥
Stocking 🧦
Snowman ⛄
Caroling 🎤
Wreath 🌿
Mistletoe 😘
Gift 🎁
Candy cane 🍭
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