Christmas is a Christian holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus of Nazareth on December 25.
It is the monk Denys the Lesser in the year 525, under the orders of the pope John 1st, who fixed this date by basing himself on the Alexandrine rule decided at the time of the 1st council of Nicée in the year 325.
Christmas and Santa Claus?
But what is the relationship with Christmas and Santa Claus? Although time has changed his appearance and personality, this good old man once lived! He is Nicholas of Myre, known for his sense of justice and charity.
Because of his goodness, the church decided, several centuries after his death, to canonize him. It is “Saint Nicholas” that we celebrate on December 6!
The cult of St. Nicholas was not introduced in Germany until the 10th century. His story was embellished with legend and he is nowadays presented as the protector of children.
Christmas or St. Nicholas is celebrated every year in the countries of Northern, Eastern and Western Europe. Following the reforms of Martin Luther in the 16th century, the feast of St. Nicholas was abolished among Protestants.
The image of this Saint has evolved over the centuries and especially under the influence of the commercial phenomenon.
Today, the French give a particular importance to the tradition of Christmas. This event (Christmas Eve) is celebrated on the evening of December 24th. It is the perfect occasion to get together as a family and to share moments of happiness. The typical Christmas meal in France is often composed of champagne, foie gras, oysters, smoked salmon, turkey, bousin blanc and bûche. Parents also treat their children with gifts under the tree.
