Christmas Tales and Legends
Once upon a time… Christmas tales
As the Christmas festivities have just come to an end, we find ourselves longing for eternal magic, passed down from generation to generation. We are talking about Christmas tales and traditions! Today, we take you on a world tour of legends linked to December 25th.
The Grinch
A character invented by writer Theodor Seuss Geisel, the Grinch carries his bad mood as Christmas approaches. This shaggy green character has one single goal: to ruin Christmas. Without a second thought, he disguises himself as a red-bearded old man and steals Christmas, no less. Of course, things don't go as planned…
The book to read: How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr Seuss
Père Fouettard
Beware, children's worst nightmare goes by the name of Père Fouettard. He accompanies Father Christmas and Saint Nicholas and threatens to carry naughty children away in his large sack. In some traditions, he hands out lumps of coal to children who have misbehaved. Today, we speak of him less, especially to very young children — nightmares guaranteed…
The book to read: Père fouettard et Saint-Nicolas, published by Grain de sable
Saint Nicholas
In some European countries, there is a figure just as important as Father Christmas: Saint Nicholas. Traditionally, on the night of the first weekend of December, this old gentleman, whose faithful steed is a donkey, brings sweets and small gifts to children who have been good. He is celebrated in Germany, Austria, Belgium, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Switzerland, and Russia.
The book to read: Saint-Nicolas, c'est qui celui-là ? by Haes Ian and Bellière Charlotte.
Saint Lucia
Celebrated on December 13th in Sweden, this festival marks the beginning of Advent. Saint Lucia leads a singing procession, candle in hand to light the falling night. Spectators listen to these soft and melodious songs, marvel at the glowing candles, and the magic of Christmas works its spell…
The book to read: 24 Christmas Tales from Around the World by Judith Bouilloc
We hope you had a wonderful holiday season, let's rock 2023!
The Charlie Crane Team
