France was part of the Roman Empire when the Romans adopted Christianity in the 300's. In the 400's, a German tribe called the Franks took over much of France. When their king, Clovis, married a Christian princess, she persuaded him to convert to her faith and in the year 496 France celebrated its first Christmas. In the medieval days, Christmas was celebrated by all with much generosity and gift giving. Food and wine were shared by all classes of people, with much dancing and singing of Christmas carols. St. Francis recreated a live Nativity scene in 1223 for the villagers of Assisi and it wasn't long before the scene was recreated in neighboring villages.

Soon, craftsmen began making miniature figures of the Nativity scene which people displayed in their homes. In France, the first manger scene is recorded in the early 1300's, and it is clear that people loved the custom of setting out the scene at Christmastime.

In Provence, artisans made lovely terra-cotta figurines called santons, which were hand painted and dressed in local costume. These figures are collected and prized by people from all over the world. Pere Noel, or Father Christmas, is a tall, distinguished old man with a great white beard and a long red robe lined in thick white fur and trimmed in satin. Often he wears wooden shoes, a custom which harks back to olden days when wood shoes were traditional dress for common villagers.

On his back, Pere Noel carries a basket similar to those used in wine harvesting, only his is filled with toys and sweets for the children. These gifts are often placed in the children's shoes that have been placed by the hearth. Often Pere Noel is accompanied by a donkey to help him carry the many gifts. Pere Noel brings a small potted tree, which will be decorated with candies and tiny toys.

The French are known to not waste anything, and this little tree will be planted after the holidays. Great bunches of mistletoe also decorate French homes. It is said to represent immortality and have healing properties, not to mention the kiss that one can capture when standing underneath it. Pere Noel wishes you a Joyeux Noel!

Pere Noel Pipka Santas Stories Of Christmas Ornaments Item #11457
Noel, a word so easily used at Christmastime, is the French word for Christmas. Its very sound conjures up images of soft falling snow, candle-lit trees, creche scenes, delicious food
Price: $32.25