In France, Christmas is known by the name of  Noel and Father Christmas is known as 'Père Noel'.

The sapin de Noel - Christmas tree - is the main French decoration. It is covered in apples, paper flowers, and ribbons. Under the Tree is the  crèche, or manger, which is adorned with  little clay figures called  Santons or  Little Saints .
 
The midnight mass on Christmas Eve, is followed by a large family meal known as  Le Reveillon. The meal usually consists of goose or turkey, a fish dish, followed by cheese, bread, wine, fruit, pastries and  Le reveillon - yule log. Christ cakes are baked and decorated with sugar to resemble the Holy Child. And a candle is left burning at a window just in case Mary passes by.

On Christmas Eve, just before bed time, French children leave Sabots - wooden shoes - in front of the fireplace, hoping that Père Noel will fill them with gifts. Père Noel travels with a friend, Père Fouettar - Father Spanker, who keeps a record of the children's behaviour. If they have been naughty, Father Spanker fills their Sabots with lumps of coal.