Coucou les amis,
December in France is full of tiny rituals that nobody teaches you in French class. Not the glossy postcard traditions, but the real French winter habits that appear like clockwork across villages, towns and cities.
If you have ever spent a winter in France, you will recognise more than a few of these. And if you have not, welcome to the inside scoop.
1. The big chauffage stand-off
French families do not simply switch on the heating. They negotiate it.
Someone says it is far too early. Meanwhile, someone else is already wearing three jumpers. Someone mutters about the price of gas.
An annual sport.
2. The supermarket foie gras explosion
Walk into any French supermarket in December and suddenly it is foie gras, smoked salmon and bûche de Noël as far as the eye can see.
You go in for a loaf of bread and leave with truffle crisps, bubbles and a bûche you absolutely did not need. A very French experience.
3. The return of papillotes
December means papillotes. Those shiny chocolates with tiny jokes inside that nobody admits they love, yet somehow everyone buys.
By mid-month, there is always a bowl of them on a table and, naturally, a trail of wrappers in pockets and handbags – a classic French winter habit!
4. The annual school “spectacle”
If you have children in France, December means one thing. “Le spectacle” – the Christmas school show.
The carefully rehearsed songs.
The costumes that fall apart.
The teacher who deserves a medal.
You sit on a tiny chair with your knees around your ears, and you would not miss it for the world.
5. The boulangerie queue of doom
On Christmas Eve morning, the local boulangerie queue wraps around the block.
People arrive armed with pre-orders, tote bags and Olympic levels of determination. After a long wait, they finally leave holding bûches, baguettes and the good croissants as if they have secured national treasure.
6. The small-town marché de Noël lottery
Some marchés are magical with twinkling lights and mulled wine. Others are… less so. Either way, you will probably leave with a crêpe and a chat with someone you know!
7. The sudden, fierce debate about oysters
Even people who have not touched an oyster since the early 2000s suddenly have strong opinions in December.
How many to buy. Which ones. Where to get them. It is the law, apparently.
Want to make your December even more French?
If you like discovering real French winter habits, you will love our 12 Day French Christmas Countdown, which begins on 3rd December.
Each day brings a tiny French treat, from festive expressions to cultural surprises. And it all leads to our cosy online Fête de Noël on Sunday, 14 December.
Join us >>here.
Final thought
Being in France in December is not about perfect markets or magazine-ready scenes. It is about warmth, ritual, and tiny moments that make you smile.
May your December be full of papillotes, warm hands, and friendly boulangerie queues.
À bientôt pour more festive French fun.
Frannie x
It’s almost time!
Something festive is coming!
The 12-Day French Christmas Countdown starts on 3 December — twelve days of fun, practical French to get you in the holiday spirit. Expect pronunciation tips, vocabulary, mini challenges, and plenty of festive cheer! It’s perfect for all levels and designed to help you sound more French this Christmas.
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