Once upon a time... Christmas tales

As the Christmas holidays draw to a close, we've got a hankering for timeless magic, handed down from generation to generation. We're talking Christmas tales and traditions! Today, we're taking you on a world tour of December 25th legends.

The Grinch

A character invented by writer Theodor Seuss Geisel, the Grinch takes his bad mood with him as Christmas approaches. This bushy green character has a single goal: to spoil Christmas. In no time at all, he disguises himself as an old red-bearded man and steals Christmas, no less. Of course, things don't go according to plan...

The book to read: How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr Seuss

The bogeyman

Beware, children's worst nightmare is called the bogeyman. He accompanies Santa Claus and St. Nicholas and threatens to carry off naughty children in his big sack. In some traditions, he distributes lumps of coal to children who have been naughty. Nowadays, we talk less about him, especially to toddlers, who are guaranteed to have nightmares...

Book to read: Père fouettard et Saint-Nicolas, published by Grain de sable

Saint-Nicolas

In some European countries, there's a character just as important as Santa Claus: St. Nicholas. Traditionally, on the night of the first weekend in December, this old gentleman, whose faithful steed is a donkey, brings sweets and presents to well-behaved children. He is celebrated in Germany, Austria, Belgium, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Switzerland and Russia.

Book to read: Saint-Nicolas, c'est qui celui-là? by Haes Ian and Bellière Charlotte.

Saint Lucia

Celebrated on December 13 in Sweden, this feast marks the beginning of Advent. Saint Lucia leads a singing procession, candle in hand to light up the dusk. The audience listens to the sweet, melodious songs, marvels at the candlelight, and the magic of Christmas unfolds...

The book to read: 24 Christmas tales from around the world by Judith Bouilloc

We hope you had a wonderful holiday season, and let's rock 2023!

The Charlie Crane team