How Christmas feels different in France as Americans

[@billcurnew6020]

One reason I enjoy your videos so much is your open-mindedness and understanding that it's not always a question of "better vs worse", but rather, an understanding that "different" is more accurate and, often, more interesting. Too often, people cannot seem to handle that concept and it's really a shame as they end up missing so much. American exceptionalism is so restraining. Life is short, so I commend you for living it! Looking forward to my next visit to France in the Spring, and I wish you all a wonderful Christmas!

[@maudieg8459]

Being an American I understand completely about the American over the top hustle. We live that way year around, not just at Christmas. I realize I’m an old codger perhaps, but I hope you can take to heart the more meaningful experiences you are having in France over the holidays. By the time you are close to my age, you may well be thankful for having learned how to live a more relaxed lifestyle. Merci beaucoup!

[@Phiyedough]

Yes, human interactions mean far more than a load of flashy cheap, mass produced tat. In our family at one stage we agreed to stop giving gifts to adults, only to children. We would still help each other with things through the year and giving up that time was appreciated far more than stuff people had bought.

[@ygivry]

Très beau pull des Girondins 😊

[@matusadona1]

I’m an expat living near st. Tropez. The Christmas market here is absolutely fabulous, with delicious mulled wine and warm candied nuts. Santa always arrives on the 24th by yaught ! We always go as a family get-together, and have dinner afterwards.

[@psour33]

In France, Christmas is a close family thing usually. Saint Sylvestre night might be more a friend/neighbors/family's party.

[@michellemobakeng5938]

Exactement.

[@francoisleyrat8659]

And no real 'count down at Times square' thing.

[@FrogeniusW.G.]

Same in Germany. Christmas for/with family, Silvester for/with friends.

[@coffic]

Et personne en dessous de 50 ans n'appelle ça la St Sylvestre honnêtement. L'expression est plus typé communauté catholique ces jours-ci.

[@psour33]

@@coffic ça tombe bien j'en ai 68.

[@Jean-MarcGODOT]

Merci pour vos vídeos et votre vision différente d’un français. Cela nous permet de prendre du recul sur nos pratiques et habitudes et cela me fait du bien. Vous avez pris l’habitude de faire une vidéo toutes les semaines ne changez rien. Bonnes fêtes de fin d’année

[@DebL-c5h]

When I lived in France I brought with me my prelit Christmas tree. My apartment faced out into a courtyard and my neighbors enjoyed seeing the tree with lights and decorations. It was odd not seeing people shop for gifts. Teaching at a university my students told me many of them did not give or receive gifts but there was family dinner to enjoy. I still cooked a turkey dinner on Christmas Day. It was relaxing not having the hustle and bustle of the season. Merry Christmas! Love your tree.

[@LivinCindysLife]

This was such a sweet video. Perhaps because our kids are grown, and we're nearing retirement, I rather love the idea of a more relaxed Christmas. The Christmas markets in France are just our speed for enjoying the season. We can't wait 'til we're expats and can enjoy bringing over family and friends to experience Christmas in France with us! Bonne fêtes de Noël!🎄

[@ReSunDestin]

As a frenchman I just want to say, the time of the meal depends on the family, for example in my family we would have s amall special diner, for exemple with my partner on christmas eve, and the REAL meal with the entire family comes on christmas day in the afternoon, and this one can go on for easily 10 hours

[@moxanation73]

Dans ma famille, on ne fêtait que le 24, je ne savais même pas que des gens faisaient quelque chose le 25 😂. Je pense que c’est parce que ma mère considérait que ça faisait trop à manger (ce qui est vrai) et trop fatiguant sur les 2 jours. Y’a pas vraiment de règle en fait.

[@FB6418]

If you have the opportunity to visit Le château de Vaux le Vicomte during Christmas Season, you'll be amazed by the lights and the decoration ! Many Castles in France open for christmas lights and these are beautiful strolls. I think we the french tend to maybe not decorate and enjoy Christmas as well as our british neighbours, but there still is a Chrismas Spirit we love to share. It's true that Christmas is known in France for spending HOURS around the table for lunch ^^. First round is on the 24th in the evening, then we celebrate Christmas on the 25th for lunch (aperitif, then a turkey, or a chapon, with la bûche de Noël, etc. We start around noon and leave the table around... probably 4pm-5pm !). Then depending on people, you have to celebrate again on the day after or between the 25th and the 31rst with your extended family or close friends. So it's common for most people to have on the same week one to 3 or 4 rounds of Christmas gatherings and lunches ^^.

[@TheRealOrinocoWomble]

The magic is to keep your fav traditions and to adopt some new ones. This best-of-both-worlds combo makes your Christmas unique and special. Also, looking fwd to Jason’s vin chaud video 🤣

[@IesKorpershoek]

The Colmar Christmas market is great, as are many small markets in the Alsace area. There is lots of lighting, etc., and a Super atmosphere. Enjoy everything, best wishes and a healthy 2025. Joyeux Noël et bonne Année

[@Hiro_Trevelyan]

As a French, Christmas markets seem a bit repetitive cause I'm really used to them now but I keep visiting them every year just for the ambience. It's just part of winter, strolling through a Christmas market, smelling the food, the vin chauds, the marrons, the crepes. I usually don't buy anything but it's still nice

[@camiller4916]

Our Xmas market here in my US city costs $ to enter, then everything is expensive and everyone wants a 20% + tip. No thank you.

[@nighthawk333ST]

Christmas is a family event here... might be a bit harder on you being here alone without your parents or cousins, but New Year's coming in and that's when friends come in for the fun ;)

[@1961horner]

Des américains qui analysent et réfléchissent, what a pleasure ! Bravo Baguette Bound

[@Heidielle]

I think most people will long for or prefer the kind of Christmases that they grew up with. The season is often so tied to the memories and nostalgia of one's childhood. So even if you can appreciate a different kind of Christmas, there is just something about those odd foods and activities you used to do in your chilhood that make Christmas feel like Christmas 😅

[@peggygraham6129]

I don't miss a thing!

[@camiller4916]

I grew up poor in the US. My mom always took on extra shifts on every single holiday to make extra money. So, my childhood memories from Xmas are of longing to be with my mom. I can’t recall any special food we had. We had a tree until maybe early teens then all Xmas decorations ceased and we all just did something else for Xmas break. I did miss Xmas but also, we didn’t have to get gifts, decorate, or cook special foods

[@BaronDiacre]

Love the Girondins de Bordeaux christmas pull ! You're truly integrated ahaha !

[@ac8907]

@BaronDiacre. Pitié, vous ne pouvez pas changer d’image ?

[@frenchustube]

@@ac8907 Ne soyez pas un brise joie ( don't be a kill joy) JOyeux Noel!

[@phsad2281]

@@ac8907 ça vous fait chier ? ça me ravit

[@BlackDino468]

If you're in the US, and you don't have kids in the home and you don't work corporate, a lot of this doesn't happen. We have a really slow, chill December. Like a semi-hibernation. I have a xmas movie collection that I put on in the background while decorating or doing other tasks - the best ones we sit down for, and invite a friend over (how can you not have seen Christmas Story!?). We chose to step back from some family dysfunctionality, and this most affects the holidays For The Better! No toxic boundaries to parent other adults through. So. We have a chill December. I want our city to do a big Christmas display! I would love it, that would be a treasure. Thank you for sharing!

[@blitz3391]

It's a bit difficult to express, but Christmas in France is much more intimate than the US. From our perspective, the USA are always..."bigger", not in the best of ways. Mostly consumption and bombastic. I mean in France we also have that capitalistic aspect for sure, but Christmas is often the only time of the year people of the same family see eachother. I'd compare it more to Thanksgiving. And for the lack of external decorations..well once again, we don't have that really extravagant culture. Plus, well, electricity is darn expensive lately XD

[@mempamal44]

🇨🇵🎄 JOYEUX NOËL 🎄🇨🇵

[@BaguetteBound]

Merci!! ❤️🎄✨️ Joyeux Noel!!

[@mempamal44]

@@BaguetteBound 🎁🎄🎁😉

[@richardcorona3564]

Feeling SO EMOTIONAL remembering Christmas with my French family 2021 in La Rochelle. Saw a reenactment of the birth of Christ in a play with singing by the cast. Love Christmas in France!!!

[@sanguinarium1614]

Christmas seems much more exceptional in the USA and probably more modest in France; it must not be easy for you. But I admire your kindness and how you always try to see the positive side in every situation. Merry Xmas!

[@blktauna]

I'd say overblown versus exceptional but yes.

[@martinquessandier3282]

En Europe Noël se fait en famille. Donc c'est pas exubérant. Les sapins de Noël sont dans les maison et non dans le jardin...

[@yormunhar2150]

Haha I notice everyone is different : I'm pretty sure I'll be knocked out by all the things to do in the hollyday season in America. I already dislike the few obligations we have in France 😂

[@enriquesanchez2001]

Bonjour ! Yeah, as a Cuban immigrant in the US since 1962, we have ALWAYS celebrated Christmas EVE in parties with family principally. It is a big celebration and some homes roast a whole pig in a pit dug precisely for this reason. Christmas DAY is for visiting family and exchanging gifts. Dad would light up the house outside with beautiful decorations to add to our festive season. 🎄🎆🎇🎊So FRANCE would be a comfortable place for me to be!

[@lisasuhr6433]

Oh, I had the privilege of attending a celebration with a pig roasted in the ground wrapped in banana leaves, it was the most delicious meal I EVER had! I was friend/colleague of our Medical Director and his wife was Philippino and she made a traditional meal for us, absolutely amazing! It wasn’t during Christmas, but I wanted to comment to you about the traditional roasted pork. I appreciate tradition and we always celebrate Christmas Eve as you do as well 😊 May you have a blessed and happy Christmas.

[@enriquesanchez2001]

@@lisasuhr6433 Wonderful! I worked for a Filipino company for a few years and often had Pork Adobo! Blessings to you!

[@philippeplouchart8156]

In France, the Christmas season begins on December 6, in honor of Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of children. Kids get to meet Saint Nicholas usually in town, arriving by train, blessing them, but also accompanied by the Père fouettard, a dark and menacing spirit figure who by his presence warns children to be kind or else. It was that showy in my youth in the Fifties and early Sixties. Then, the full Christmas happens at the midnight Mass at your parish church.

[@wendylanman7183]

@@philippeplouchart8156 you must be in the East of France, Alsace Lorraine was part of Germany for a while. I was west of Paris and we had no Xmas markets of the German style as they are known all over Western Europe today. We used to go to Paris to see the beautiful window dressings in the grands magasins when the children were small.

[@SusanEvans-l6p]

I would prefer the French version of Christmas over the American version anyday! I grew up in a Catholic family in the states and Christmas Eve was the big event, we never opened presents on Christmas morning. Christmas morning was a time to go to church and then we would have a family meal starting in the early afternoon. I loved celebrating on Christmas Eve because of the all the lights and we could stay up late. Also, because we were Catholic we never had meat on Christmas Eve, it was always fish or seafood.

[@Pazu84Vaucluse]

yes that sounds like what the french do, as they are still predominantly catholics (but that seems to be fading away).

[@isabelleweiler5603]

I'm a French protestant myself(historical protestant), but my family on my mother's side are catholics and they always have meat at Christmas for the main dish(mainly turkey, fowl or goose, depending on the number of people) invited.

[@SusanEvans-l6p]

@@isabelleweiler5603 Do they have meat on Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Day? We had meat on Christmas Day not but not Christmas Eve. My mother's side of the family was very traditional and devout with their Catholicism. We never had meat on Friday either.

[@isabelleweiler5603]

@@SusanEvans-l6p Both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. No difference. Poultry is traditional but you will also find venison.

[@isabelleweiler5603]

@@SusanEvans-l6p In Italy too they have meat for Christmas and they are even more catholic than we are.

[@handyvickers]

My mother had Dutch /German origins, and so we always celebrated Christmas on the 24th, even though as South Africans, it would've been normal to do it on the 25th. I married a South African girl, so we ended up having TWO celebrations, one on Christmas Eve, then again on Christmas Day. Then a barbecue, swimming in the pool, backyard cricket, etc etc... Those were the days! But now that we live in Europe, we love the Christmas markets, mulled wine, lights, etc, that we never had in SA. Very cosy!

[@davidgardin5775]

Raine and Jason, very things you guys said is so so true. We are retired just do what we do what we like. We stop exchanging gifts, but we gift whenever we see and get together with others all year around. Thank you for sharing your happy thoughts in the past and present 🎉❤😊

[@feeseize9569]

His eyes at 4:08… I feel you my brother. I died inside a little too. My wife on the other hand exclaimed, “See! I’m NOT the only one!”

[@jip2971]

in France Christmas is essentially a family celebration, there can be a meal with colleagues but that's it, not all these social obligations that you have in the USA

[@Cricrispec]

If you want to visit an area where most people will decorate their houses and gardens to the full magic of Christmas, indeed there is such a place in France : Alsace... Alsace is the epicenter of Christmas traditions in France... Not only the charming Christmas markets in Strasbourg, in Colmar and in so many Alsacian villages, but also in the extraordinary decorations of most private homes and gardens. Chers Raina, Jason et Juliana, je vous souhaite un très Joyeux Noël plein de grâces de toutes sortes ! Christophe

[@FrogeniusW.G.]

The wine carrousel is amazing! I'm from Germany and know about Christmas markets in general, we have them here too. But never seen a turning bar, I think. Love it!

[@korrigan6698]

hello to you! I follow you and I really like your personality and your objectivity. I am French, I am now 56 years old and I can say that 20/30 years ago Christmas celebrations were much more festive! there was music everywhere in the streets, the towns were much brighter, the merchants had beautiful windows, and you had completely decorated villages and houses almost everywhere, musicians and choirs in the streets. Unfortunately all this Christmas magic tends to disappear, becomes too commercial and it is fashionable to save money on everything. And above all a much lower tolerance of non-Christians. I'm not a Christian myself, but Christmas is Christmas, and it must bring magic. without taking into account ecological sensitivities (I defend ecology) but the Christmas holidays only last 15 days! bonnes fêtes de fin d'année à vous.

[@Jehau]

I agree! I am older than you and I have seen everything Christian and typically French disappearing in France under the pressure of the extreme Left and the muslim community. It seems people are starting to wake up a little bit, but it is not enough. French living abroad, and more and more disappointed at each visit.

[@marieadriansen2925]

Bonnes fêtes de Noël à tous les trois ! Happy Christmas to all three!💕

[@NolDragon]

Grew up about 30km away from Strasbourg, Christmas time over there is one of my fondest memories from childhood.

[@jmbig]

Exactement !! .... C'est surtout le repas de noël qui est important !! 😂😂😋😋😋👌👌👍👍

[@heinzruffieux5817]

Oh, you were in Colmar?? My absolute favorite in France together with Strassbourg. Especially the christmas market! I am a bit jalous.... 😊

[@adrienhb8763]

Christmas in France is very different from one family to another: some have a big dinner and a small lunch, or the other way around, or both are big. Or small. Some offer their gifts the evening, before lunch or after. Some go to mass the evening, some the morning, some both. And don’t get me started on the menu! 😂

[@marieadriansen2925]

oui, c'est vrai !

[@_asphobelle6887]

Or better yet, no mass at all ! I tried it once as a kid, midnight mass in a medieval church in late December is miserable, the one blight amidst winter celebrations and family time.

[@adrienhb8763]

@@_asphobelle6887 Well I sure hope you'll find a good mass for you. Because midnight Christmas mass with chants sung since the Middles ages is something unique.

[@lawrencebox919]

Merry Christmas to the three of you!! Christmas 🎄 ❤

[@G91YS]

In Belgium my "end of year work event" is a lunch DURING work time. Nobody would want to come for an after work. Personal time is not for work.

[@LaurenceDutay]

Bonjour ! J'ai découvert vos vidéos récemment et c'est si plaisant de découvrir votre parcours en France. Votre aventure française est très instructive et parfois si amusante à suivre en tant que française ! De mon côté cela me permet de maintenir ma compréhension en anglais et connaître les comparaisons avec les USA ! Bonne continuation à vous dans vos différents projets "français"😉😅 Je vous souhaite d'excellentes fêtes de fin d'année et le meilleur pour 2025.🎉 Laurence (j'habite à Angers 😉)

[@JD987abc]

Joyeux Noel Baguette bound. You two are pure delight. You are describing Christmas as it should be, family, friends good food. Not Christmas exploded like the Griswolds. It reminds me of Christmas when I was a child. Now I’m 74. BTW… my birthday is December 25. Way too much going on for me. Now I live alone with my rescued Frenchie Gigi spending lots of time making sourdough boules to give as gifts. Trés calm. Also getting ready for my trip to France for a month departing 1/9/2025. After a few days in Paris, I’ll take the train from Gare d’Austerlitze bound for Limoges. A bientôt….Joseph.

[@BaguetteBound]

Have a great trip and safe travels!

[@philippe_de_rochambeau]

Bon repas de Noël à vous, bonjour de France d’un village de Normandie dans l’orné.🎉🎉

[@longlostkryptonian5797]

Well now I have something else to look forward to that I hadn’t given much thought to. Merci!

[@jholly5747]

Your description of Christmas and friends sounds delightful. What you described about American Christmas sounds very similar to Canadian Christmas. Canadian Christmas is the hustle and bustle of getting the perfect present on Amazon or in a shopping mall doing a cooking exchange with your friends and family and buying secret Santa gift for people at the office that you don’t even know. Your Christmas and friends sounds wonderful and I wish every American or Canadian could experience that one day.

[@brice9384]

My experience of Xmas (as a French) is really about the over the top meals. The amount of money spent is sensibly more than i suppose other cultures would spend. Regarding Xmas Eve vs Xmas day, we tend to celebrate both. Usually it means one day with one side of the family one day with the other (in laws). Last (pro tip for Juliana) my sweetest memories were the luxurious snacks I had as a teenager. Nothing beats going to the kitchen and helping myself to some foie gras and some toasts and going back to the video game I was enjoying.

[@LetsChillPage]

Hi Baguette Bound from Perpignan, 🌴🌞 For Christmas Eve at home, we opened the gifts at midnight. My parents did that. Around a quarter to midnight, my uncle or another family member would take my brother and me to another room to tell us or show us something. And when we came back, Santa had come by, but in a hurry because he had to deliver the other children and couldn't wait for us. We got fooled every time. 😅 But I don't know if the other French do the same(?). Peace, folks. ☮👈😎

[@chrystele-fr]

Yes the same for my family

[@earlyNova]

Yes, it was the same in our family of 20 (three gen.). Except that the gifts were so numerous that it was technically impossible to hide them. So they were piled up at the foot of the tree (well, more like on 2 meters around it) and the kids were so impatient/excited to unwrap them that it spoiled their appetites, but no pity, we used to ate at our own pace! 😆😅😅

[@_asphobelle6887]

When I was a kid, my larger family was spread all over the country, so either we would go somewhere in the family, or a set of grandparents and/or uncle & aunt with cousins would come at home, either way the house we were in would be packed to the rafters with people for at least 4 or 5 days. For us kids it felt pretty much like a week of Christmas, not just the one morning with the gifts; and I guess for the adults the evenings were the only times they could enjoy their time together without kids underfoot, thus very precious. Anyway, we kids were sent to bed after the Christmas Eve dinner, later than usual but still before midnight, and adults had the rest of the evening / night to put the gifts out for us, and exchange their own gifts; then we kids would open ours on Christmas morning, with adults looking on and preparing breakfast.

[@superpieton]

Passez un excellent réveillon de Noël ! 🎅❄☃🎄🎁🥂🍪🍰

[@BaguetteBound]

Merci!! 😊 Joyeux fêtes !! 🥂

[@superpieton]

@@BaguetteBound Merci ! Joyeuses fêtes de fin d'année à vous aussi ! 😊

[@sebastiendoquin918]

You've understood exactly the French Christmas tradition or “spirit”: Christmas dinner on December 24! I'm impressed! Merry Christmas! from Cambrai (Northern France)

[@christtmartin2988]

Joyeux Noël, passez de bonnes fêtes...

[@gregographiefuji1896]

Living in France decades ago and visiting from time-to-time when funds allow, I have come to accept the fact that France really has become more and more like the U.S. when it comes to traditions, for good or bad. It comes down to an evolving society, influenced heavily by the varied cultures that make up our countries' social fabrics. The various vlogs about "Christmas" when mostly French Parisians are interviewed about their plans and foods, etc., the responses are quite different (e.g. when and/or if gifts will be offered (not given), when family will meet, having a 'bouche', seafood or fowl, etc.) You briefly touched on corporate parties/gift-giving, there still seems to be a difference between the two countries and it goes back to the old saying, "Americans live to work, whereas the French work to live." The younger generations in the U.S. especially post-pandemic, have kind of started to push towards the French work/live balance. So it goes both ways. In the end, we shouldn't want to change anyone's culture. Culture and the traditions that make up a big part of it, continually evolve especially in large complex societies like France's and the U.S.A.'s. The nice thing is we (France and U.S.A) have lots of choices. Joyeux Noël!

[@TheStitchinDietitian]

It sounds like I’d prefer French Christmas! American Christmas is just too much. Too commercialized and superficial. Thank you for sharing your experiences of life in France

[@agnesmichel1286]

Magnifique pull de Noël, Jason.😊

[@brunosavy8]

Girondins de Bordeaux ... great !!

[@anonymous10001100]

Joyeux Noël 🎅🎁 à toute votre famille et vive le vin chaud 🍷 sur les marchés de Noël...🎄

[@BaguetteBound]

Merci and joyeux Noël !🍷❤️

[@Off_the_clock_astrophysicist]

Reverse experience here. What I miss the most is the Christmas music. Traditional, boy choir type. More broadly, a general mood about the holiday, which is striking in the video. The architecture, the cathedral on their own are beautiful. Add some lights tastefully done and a choral "Minuit Chretien" and you're done.

[@durandil]

I notice Jason talked about the vin chaud at least twice 😁

[@afterburner94]

Ouah Jason fan des Girondins de Bordeaux? vous venez de refaire ma journée!

[@karlazytzeen]

Nice shots from Strasbourg and Alsace :) (Spent 5 years in Strasbourg, loved it)

[@thierrysanchez3161]

Il faut préciser que le Réveillon de Noel n'était pas dans le même esprit qu'aujourd'hui au début du XXe siècle ... A cette époque le repas était dit "maigre", et il se faisait après la messe de minuit. Ensuite les gens allaient se coucher. Ils attendaient le lendemain 25 à midi pour faire un repas gargantuesque ...

[@_asphobelle6887]

Noël n'était pas probablement dans le même esprit au début du XXème siècle aux Etats-Unis non plus, et alors ? Le sujet est Noël aujourd'hui...

[@thierrysanchez3161]

@@_asphobelle6887 Et alors quoi ... Rien n'interdit de préciser ... Mon propos c'est Noel aussi ...

[@Jehau]

@@_asphobelle6887 Tres franco-francais...

[@AlbandAquino]

Oh that pullover. 😅 So... You've chosen your team! 🤣

[@paulchapoy992]

Il n'y a pas de Noël sans ce que l'on surnome en France les "pulls moches de Noël". En trouver un de l'équipe des Girondins relêve d'une grande originalité !

[@pvdppvdp6638]

Has Jason become a Girondins de Bordeaux fan?

[@KBinturong]

@@paulchapoy992oh c’est recent les ugly xmas sweater… ça a été importé de UK je crois

[@BaguetteBound]

😂

[@pierre-yvesmignotte838]

Anglo-Saxon culture, with all due respect, is quite consumerist driven. All these fairs, events, meetings, fundraisers.. so much consumption. It also probably ties to a religious calendar, where for most of the day, traditionally, people led rather more frugal lives, to have a bit of a blast in holidays season: hence parties, sledging, funfairs, dressing up etc. But in XXI century, when you are just a working parent, it is exhausting..

[@gohumberto]

Christmas is all about getting the family together around the table. Since we moved here that has proved impossible so we tend to celebrate Christmas in instalments, as and when family can make it here. The way families tend to spread out around the World today means we're not alone in that I think. Fortunately both our kids should be heading here this year (fingers crossed for no transport disruptions). Anyway, talking of les Marchés de Nóel ...... maybe we'll bump into you in your local one this afternoon.

[@marjo-electron-libre]

C'est génial de voir votre point de vue sur Noël et ces différences culturelles dont on n'a pas forcément conscience, quand on baigne dedans. Je vois des habitudes américaines dans les films et séries mais jamais autant que votre témoignage. Merci pour votre ouverture d'esprit, vous êtes adorables et avez gardé ce côté "wow" très américain que j'adore. Je réalise à quel point les Américains fêtent beaucoup de choses intensément. Joyeux Noël et toute mon amitié car j'adore les Etats-Unis. It's great to see your point of view on Christmas and these cultural differences that we're not necessarily aware of when we're immersed in them. I see American habits in movies and TV shows, but never as much as your testimony. Thank you for your open-mindedness, you're adorable and you've kept that very American “wow” factor that I love. I realize how intensely Americans celebrate many things. Merry Christmas and all my friendship because I love the United States.

[@kiashaw]

I am a Christmas decor fanatic!! And imnplanning on bringing my decor...lol! I already told my husband we can leave everthing else but the decor must come. 😂

[@jean-michelcaudrelier2496]

That Girondins pull-over with cute reindeer, it is a must🙂 Agree with your comments. In north america but doing the polish xmas or wigilia. Lot of work for prepareation but fun to share Xmas markets are more very old tradition of East France ( Strasbourg to see) Germany, Austrria ( Vienna), Krakow in Poland. Go to see one of them 1 day if living in Europe Happy Holidays A French guy in Canada for 22 y. With kid living close to you in le Sud Ouest

[@lorcanlorcan9334]

J'adore vos vidéos et surtout votre état d'esprit. Et J'adôre le pull de Noël des Girondins de Bordeaux. Excellentes fêtes. De la part d'un natif de Bx.

[@vzmax]

Après le repas de réveillon en famille, la tradition était jadis d'aller à la messe de minuit (qui se tenait souvent à 23:00 plutôt que minuit) et puis ensuite de manger une soupe à l'oignon avant d'aller se coucher.

[@BruceHamilton]

Nice video again, thanks for sharing the differences you've noticed. The background shots of christmas decor throughout the French scenes look beautiful! :)

[@StuFromOz99]

As an Australian I have never experienced a cold winter, its always summer. When I lived with family it was always a big gathering, and my family was highly religious so at least one service (midnight mass, or Xmas morning) was expected. Sometimes both. Now, living far away from family, if it’s just us, it will be a sedate affair. Good food, a few presents and the all important Xmas nap. My stress around Xmas has always been how work goes insane as the end of the year approaches, and the big carolling events I have to do with the choir I sing in… Have a wonderful holiday season

[@loantran-thanh7795]

For me, my fondest Christmas memories are my childhood ones, when I went to winter camps in the Alps. Typical white Christmas, we would go to midnight mass walking in the snow down to the village church. Then going back to the camp, and having a hot chocolate and pastries before going to bed. I did not mind the present, I just loved the atmosphere. I try to rekindle with it, but they changed the Christmas service to an earlier time, therefore it isn't the same feeling. What I took back from the US traditions are the lighting and decorations. I love them. However, things have changed also in France. Decorations at home were put up the last week before Christmas , and it was mostly inside. But I noticed this year that some homes couldn't even wait December 01st to decorate their houses.

[@RetireToEurope]

Seeing your Girondins sweater makes me happy/sad. Here's why: Happy because when I was younger I spent 4 weeks in Bordeaux on a soccer team exchange program. We went to Girondins games when they were good and in the top tier of French football. Now I see they're in administration and bankrupt. And in the 4th tier. Yikes! But I know they'll come back stronger and reach Ligue Un! ⚽ Another great video...

[@BaguetteBound]

Oh wow, thats a cool connection! 🤞for their next few years....

[@HeiWei-u4j]

People are generally just more respectful of people's time and privacy in France. You will not receive an invitation that really means spending your time preparing for someone else's event here in France - unless it is from a VERY CLOSE friend. Even family members will avoid doing this to each other. It's boils down to respect for other's personal lives. Americans (in America) by default are friendly and outgoing to a fault.

[@ppjpaul]

Sympa les pulls 😀 !

[@Chiqi2008]

Sounds lovely 🥰

[@Kim-Dalton]

I've celebrated Christmas in the US, Europe and Africa and as I "ponder" on past memories ----- I'm remembering something a wise person once told me ------- "there is comfort in familiarity". Once you establish "new" traditions and new routines and new patterns of behavior -------- that will become your "new familiar thing" and you will find comfort. Just give it a little more time. Merry Christmas to your family from a gal in Virginia, USA who is eager and excited to get back out on the International "scene" again.

[@ravipeiris4388]

Thank you for sharing ❤

[@reneejenais]

Love Jason's Xmas sweater!

[@coffic]

Apéritif vers midi, déjeuner vers 13h-13h30, jusqu'à 17h30, pause, apéritif vers 18h30, diner vers 19h30, jusqu'à entre 23h30 et 2h30 selon le courage!

[@joebloggs2473]

I do bugger all for xmas and luckily I am not the only one.

[@carolep.1398]

Jason, I LOOOOVE your Girondins sweater.

[@thaleis]

I love the Girondins Christmas pullover ! And I am from Ile de France… 😉 Still. It’s lovely !

[@nelerhabarber5602]

In Austria, Christmas is similar to that in France, but without the big, long meal. Nevertheless, Christmas is always associated with stress for me. After what you said about Christmas in America, I would probably drop dead there from exhaustion!

[@ljbpresti]

I love this but I think it’s good to remember for those in America we don’t need to do everything we have the opportunity to do. I recommend reading or listening to calm Christmas by Beth Kempton and it will help slow down and appreciate the season

[@Jarjarbinks6662]

In my family, the christmas dinners are so long that lunch often merges into dinner

[@Rachel-rs7jn]

I think this may also be a function of what part of the U.S. you lived in. I'm from CT and we don't have all those Christmas obligations. (Granted, I'm Jewish and don't celebrate Christmas, but even still, my friends and community all celebrate Christmas and I still don't have all those events.) I think it's less taken for granted in this part of the country that everyone celebrates Christmas so there aren't going to be a lot of Christmas-themed events sanctioned by public schools.

[@lorettabrod4409]

Did the Christkindlmarket in Germany last year, wonderful.

[@mempamal44]

Pour moi,la galette des rois est la tradition que je préfère.Une de nos traditions qui date de 800 avec preuve,mais sûrement depuis encore plus longtemps.🇨🇵🙏

[@FB6418]

La galette des rois arrivent bien après Noël, ce n'est pas tout à fait la même chose :). Il faut le temps que les Rois mages voyagent jusqu'à Jésus ;).

[@mempamal44]

@FB6418 bien après ?🤔,faut pas exagérer 7 jours c'est peu de temps après pour moi😉.Tu n'as pas la notion du temps ou bien mon ami?

[@FB6418]

@first-dooblette6911 7 jours c'est après le nouvel an donc on est bien après Noël oui.

[@mempamal44]

@@FB6418 pas bien après, juste après suffit 🥳🥳🥳

[@silviapennec2005]

C’est le 6 janvier, donc 12 jours après 😇

[@benjaminlamey3591]

What I like is that you can enjoy it as much as you want but you do have to. Everyone can do as much as he wants. if you want to decorate more your house, feel free, kids will love it, neighbours will have a reason to talk shit, everything fine. Regarding the events, there are a lot, if you want to go, but you are not obliged to go. and at work, france tends as usual to limit it impact on private life. And of you want to give cookies to your firends and neighbours, feel free, but not necessarily expect some in return,

[@pif3136]

Bon noël à vous 😀

[@KarenTeel-j2l]

I truly love your videos with one exception, the volume of the music. I have bluetooth hearing aids and they tend to put background music over your conversation. Consequently I cannot determine what you are talking about. Is it possible to just leave the music off please? Your experiences are so interesting and lovely, I keep looking for them every day. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@SueIsRetiringToFrance]

The holidays, French-style, spund railor nade for an introvert like me! T- minus 6 months for my French landing! Joyeux noël!

[@johnfife3062]

Joyeux Noël, y'all!

[@KeesKunkeler]

God Jul o Gott Nytt År from Sweden.

[@wilsonaish]

As a musician, I’ve rarely been to any holiday parties because of extra rehearsals and performances lol

[@Ellinillard]

Again, love your videos and your smiles : you look genuinely happy. One thing when you talk about the US, though : you may not realize it, because you’re young - lucky you -but the current Xmas habits are the results of an evolution. It wasn’t always like that : in the 70s, when I lived there, Xmas was a big event commercially, and some private homes were illuminated and decorated but to a lesser extent than today. Same for social obligations, they existed but on a much smaller scale. It seems the operative word for today’s Xmas habits in the US “more”. Of everything. Same goes for a lot of things which are now considered a “tradition” nowadays the US, like the pledge. Yes there were some at school but not everyday. Yes the anthem was played at the beginning of some ball games, but being a regular faithful Orioles supporter, I can attest it was not systematic at every game.

[@johnschiltz6440]

Love the video. I too really enjoy the Marches de...Marches de...Marches de Noel. :-) The sound on the video is a little low, requiring cranking up the volume which is horrible when it breaks for commercial.

[@MrLanternier]

Thank you for your videos! It would be really interesting to get your perspective on religions and communities in the United States compared to France. The topic can be sensitive, that's for sure, but it is fascinating!

[@Off_the_clock_astrophysicist]

I wonder if the big celebration on christmas eve is a regional thing. The places featured in the video appear to be from Alsace, which has a germanic culture. In Switzerland, also germanic, Christmas is also celebrated on the eve of the 24th. In my small village right accross the border from Geneva, in Haute-Savoie, I was surprised to learn at school that my classmates celebrated Christmas on the 25th. At their house, Santa would visit overnight and leave gifts under the tree for them to find in the morning. That surprised me, because at my house (Swiss), Santa would visit on the eve of the 24th and leave the gifts then. We would open the gifts, have the big meal, go to midnight mass (which was literally at midnight), come back for desert and then go to bed. The 25th was the day after the party.

[@COUCOUDEMETZ]

In my family, the Big lunch has always been on the 25th. When the children were young, they received their presents on the morning if that day, as you said, because it is the tradition in France : "Le Père Noël" is supposed to come during the night, passing through the chimney. Some people leave even biscuits and milk for the deers. Now that my children are adultes, we will probably share the presents before lunch. But there still exist a good meal on the 24th in the evening. Usually, as we have the big one with the turkey thé day After, that time is much lighter ans sometimes only toasts with smoke salmon and foie gras, quiches and mignardises. That is when I would put oysters on the table also. It will be the same on the 31st but with friends and not family.

[@SarahLS-s6x]

I don't think it's regional. My family of from Angers, and we always had our Christmas dinner on the 24th. Santa was coming down the chimney at midnight so we would find the presents under the tree the next morning. My best friend's family was from Bretagne, and their traditions were similar.

[@nathanjustus6659]

So much of how we live is personal choices. You can live exactly how you like….l live in the American west but live a lot like you describe France and French life

[@hellohjbgjh]

Yes but I'm French and we always opened our gifts in the morning of Christmas. Now that I 'm 42 I try to gather my memory, for the 25th meal, I 'm not sure about the most important meal , whether on the eve or on the day but I remember we were so excited on the eve for Santa Klaus to come during the night and the presents we would discover the next morning, 🙂 if I can dare why you feel like the French Christmas is lighter is because there are fewer people , close acquaintances here in France that may fill this vacation than it was in the US? Also the French are less happy these last years so maybe it also spills on the general atmosphere of Christmas. Happy Christmas anyway :-)

[@bengt_axle]

Oh, my... That Christmas sweater, Jason! Ça passe là bas?

[@bbnanno]

Spain - Christmas Eve - most imp, Olentzero in Basque Country, Xmas Day Lunch. Same 2 repeated at New Years plus the midnight grapes. Then Three Kings procession on 5th followed by gifts and lunch on the 6th. All that food is exhausting! And of course, the Xmas lottery sets off things on the 22nd of Dec!!