CHRISTmas Around the world Part 2 FRANCE

Our CHRISTmas Around the World Study begins in France!

JOYUEX NOEL!!

There are MANY tradions around the world, but I really wanted to focus on the Christian traditions this Season with the children, and how others celebrate JESUS!

taken from World of Christmas

"Almost all French homes decorate their homes at Christmastime with a Nativity scene or crèche with little clay figures called 'santons' or 'little saints' that are still made from molds that have passed down since the 17th century. Figures of local dignitaries are often added to these Nativity scenes along with the Holy Family, shepherds and Magi."

What I find so interesting about one of their traditions, is not only is it the Magi that visit on the scene but several people from their village come too! The baker, the farmer, etc...some of them are exact replicas of people in the village coming to see the baby jesus! Below you will see some pictures of "Santons" at the Markt.

We located France on the map, Colored the France Flag and a coloring page of a French child for our Christmas Wall..see the little Pierre on the left =)

This past Friday we "sneaked"  out to Strasbourg France located in the Alsace Region for the Christmas market. And by sneak, I mean shouldn't have been driving according to the weather man... But the roads were really okay, and once in France it was no problem driving... Strasbourg hosts France's largest christmas market. It is absolutely FANTASTIC! This is our 3rd year going... and every year we are impressed even more. If you are local, I suggest adding it to your Holiday list of things to do! =) This market has been ongoing since 1570.

Several markets set up all over the town...

French pottery booth

Here the kids were able to ice skate in their own little kinder rink.... they had so much fun!!!

The decor was amazing...

JT with his little gingerbread man! a whopping 4 Euros!!!

If you have ever been, everyone comments on these AMAZING chandeliers that hang in the streets....

Store windows filled with beautiful displays......

A street perfomer. as he moved his foot, the little puppets danced to his music... very cool.

Here is a Nativity Booth, with many "Santons" For sale.

 

Overload???? to many to choose!

These are clay ones, like the originals made hundreds and hundreds of years ago.

we choose a Nativity for our home, and will add a piece each year!

Can you see those eyes??? It was FREEZING!!!!!!! My little troopers did amazing!

I hope you enjoyed our little French Tour!

Christmas Around the World Unit Study Printable's:

Activity Downloads for France
Tradtions in France
Bake a Christ-cake
Christmas around the world unity study by home-school share