Christmas stories seen through children's eyes Christmas in the countries of Europe | Page 15

In France and in other French-speaking areas (see French Canada), a long family dinner,
called a réveillon, is held on Christmas Eve. [117] The name of this dinner is based on the
word réveil (meaning
"waking"), because participation involves
staying awake until midnight and beyond.
Réveillon is generally
exceptional or luxurious
of
an
nature. Appetizers may include lobster, oysters, escargots or foie gras, etc. One traditional
dish is turkey with chestnuts. Réveillons in Quebec will often include some variety
of tourtière. Dessert may consist of a bûche de Noël. In Provence, the tradition of the 13
desserts is followed, almost invariably including: pompe à l'huile (a flavoured
bread), dates, etc. Quality wine is usually consumed at such dinners, often
with champagne or similar sparkling wines as a conclusion. Christmas carols may also be
sung.
T
he festive period lasts from November 30 to January 6 (Epiphany) on the Greek
calendar. December 25 and 26 is a public holiday in Greece. In Greek,
Christmas is known as Christougena (Χριστούγεννα) and people wish Merry
Christmas to each other saying Kala
Christougenna
(Καλά
Χριστούγεννα). Most families set up