In France, Christmas is called Noel. This comes from the French phrase “les bones nouvelles” , which means ” the good news ” and refers to the gospel. In southern France, some people burn a log in their homes from Christmas until New Year’s Day. This stems from an ancient tradition in which farmers would use part of the log to ensure good luck for the next year’s harvest. In France, on Christmas Eve, children leave their shoes by the fireplace to be filled with gifts from Pere Noel. In the mourning they also find that sweets, fruits, nuts, and small toys have been hung on the trees. Nearly every French home at Christmas time displays a Nativity scene, or creche, which serves as the focus for the Christmas Celebration. The creche is often peopled with little clay figures called santons or ” little saints”. In addition to the usual Holy Family, Shepherds, and Magi, the craftsman also produce figures in the form of local dignitaries. Have a happy Christmas!