A French Christmas

[ethandron]

Leading on from coccinelle saying she's having a French Christmas this year, I thought I'd ask what it consists of food wise...over to you coccinelle :)

[coccinelle]

Hi ethandron, just seen your post! The meal is on the 24th at night (called reveillon) and consists of (basically) oysters, smoked salmon, foie gras, goose with chestnuts, cheese then chocolate log. Presents are opened at midnight. Next day, around lunchtime it's off again for more or less the same thing!
I must say, it's very easy to organise a French Xmas for families who have split up as the kids go to one parent for the reveillon and the other parent the next day... It's also convenient as a couple to go to one set of parents on the 24th and the other set the 25th! Everybody's happy.

[ethandron]

Isn't it interesting that we all have our own very traditional meals for Christmas? Do you enjoy the French version coccinelle (sounds good to me except for the smoked salmon) and have you ever subjected the French side of your family to a typical British one? You're in the right place to have some great wines with it all :)
Hope you get through it ok, must be a difficult time...

[coccinelle]

Never had in-laws for Christmas (strange lot) but did do an English Christmas with friends on the 25th a few years ago. We did however have a French reveillon the night before! This is my first Xmas with these same friends but at their place.
I must say Christmas pudding doesn't go down well here, mince pies are limit but they love Christmas cake. They like ginger wine but as they say it's lacking a bit of ... alcohol! Hope you have a nice time.