Marquis de Lafayette, born Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, was a prominent French aristocrat and military officer who played a crucial role in the American Revolutionary War. His dedication to the cause of American independence earned him the respect and admiration of American and French citizens. Lafayette's efforts in securing French support for the American cause were instrumental in the Revolution's eventual success.
Lafayette's military prowess and unwavering commitment to liberty made him a beloved figure in American history. He served alongside General George Washington and became a close friend and confidant. Lafayette's contributions extended beyond the battlefield as he also advocated for the abolition of slavery and the promotion of civil liberties.
In 1783, the North Carolina General Assembly decided to rename the towns of Cross Creek and Campbellton to Fayetteville in honor of Marquis de Lafayette. This made Fayetteville the first city in the United States to be named after the French hero. The renaming was a tribute to Lafayette's significant contributions to the American Revolutionary War and his enduring legacy as a champion of freedom.
The decision to honor Lafayette was a reflection of the deep appreciation and respect that the people of North Carolina had for his sacrifices and dedication. The town's new name symbolized the strong bond between France and the United States, forged through their shared struggle for independence.
In 1825, Lafayette embarked on a grand tour of the United States to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill. During this tour, he made a memorable visit to Fayetteville. Lafayette arrived in the town by horse-drawn carriage and was warmly welcomed by the residents.
The visit was marked by a speech of welcome and various celebrations in his honor. Lafayette's presence in Fayetteville further solidified the town's connection to its namesake and left a lasting impression on its residents. The event was a historic moment that underscored the enduring legacy of Lafayette's contributions to American independence.
Fayetteville, is gearing up to celebrate the bicentennial of Lafayette’s visit on March 4–5, 2025. The celebrations promise to be grand and memorable, reflecting the town's rich history and heritage.We all are very excited for the coming events, but what if we got a headstart on the celebration with a French Christmas?
Lets Start with the Menu
In France, Christmas is not just a holiday but a culinary celebration that elevates traditional dining to an art form. A French Christmas meal is a meticulously orchestrated affair where each dish is brought out consecutively, ensuring it is enjoyed at the perfect temperature. This methodical approach ensures that every course receives the attention it deserves, from the delicate starters to the grand finale of desserts.
Unlike many other cultures where the focus might be on gift-giving, the emphasis is squarely on the food in France. Each dish is a testament to the country's rich culinary heritage, making the meal itself a cherished experience.
As guests begin to arrive at a French Christmas gathering, the festivities start with a series of traditional apéritifs and cocktails. Popular choices include pastis, kir royale, and mixed cocktails like whiskey coke. Other well-loved apéritifs are Dubonnet, Suze, Pineau des Charentes, Lillet, and La Pomme Givrée.
These drinks are often accompanied by a variety of finger foods, such as Jambon Rouleaux de chèvre (goat cheese rolled in ham), Cake salé (savory cake slices), and Courgettes roulées (zucchini rolls filled with cheese). This initial round of drinks and snacks sets the tone for the culinary delights that are to follow.
Once all the guests have gathered, the dining table becomes the focal point, and the starters are brought out. These may include luxurious options like foie gras on small brioche toasts, caviar with canapés, salmon tartare, lobster tails, escargots (snails), and oysters.
These starters are not only exquisite but also quite expensive, underscoring the importance of food in French Christmas celebrations. Seafood, particularly oysters, holds a special place and is often featured prominently during this festive season.
After the sumptuous starters, the main course takes center stage. Despite the richness of the starters, the main meat dishes are typically smaller but no less impressive. Choices may include roast beef, leg of lamb, pork loin roast, veal roast, baked turkey roast, roasted ham, or a capon (a large chicken) roast.
These meats are accompanied by vegetable dishes, such as cauliflower gratin, roasted eggplant, mushrooms and potato casserole, green beans, and baked broccoli with lardons (bacon). Salads are also a common addition. The meal is complemented by French wines, with red wines often served with meat dishes and white or rosé wines accompanying seafood and lighter fare.
As the main dishes are cleared away, a platter of fromage (cheeses) is brought out. The selection of cheeses can vary but usually includes staples like Goat cheese, Roquefort, Camembert or Brie, and Comté. Some hosts may choose to serve champagne at this point, adding a celebratory touch to the cheese course.
The grand finale of the meal is the traditional French Christmas dessert, the log cake or Bûche de Noël. This iconic dessert is a visual and culinary delight, often intricately decorated and rich in flavor, making it the perfect sweet ending to a festive and memorable meal.
Now that we've explored the delicious French holiday cuisine, let's discover other cherished Christmas traditions that make your celebration truly magical and unique.
Advent Calendars and Wreaths
Advent calendars are a significant part of the Christmas season in France. Every year, French chocolatiers and luxury brands release beautifully crafted advent calendars. These calendars, which now often include goodies beyond chocolates such as teas, beauty products, and other high-end treats, have become a must-have for cozy holiday decor. The tradition involves opening one window each day from December 1st until Christmas Eve, adding to the anticipation and excitement of the holiday season.
Advent wreaths, known as Couronnes de l’Avent, are also a cherished tradition. Made from fir and pine branches, these wreaths are typically adorned with red bows and pine cones. They are often used to decorate tables, front doors, or windows, enhancing the festive atmosphere of French homes during the holiday season.
Shoes by the Fireplace
In France, one of the most charming Christmas traditions involves children leaving their shoes by the fireplace on Christmas Eve. These shoes are filled with treats for Santa (le Père Noël) before the children go to bed. In return, Santa takes the offerings and leaves presents in their place.
This tradition adds a touch of magic to the holiday season, as children eagerly anticipate the gifts that will appear in their shoes come Christmas morning.
French Christmas Carols
Christmas carols and hymns are an integral part of the holiday season in France. While many beloved carols have their origins in England or Germany, France boasts several popular Christmas songs worth a listen. Some of the most cherished French Christmas carols include “Mon Beau Sapin” (“O Christmas Tree”), “Il Est Né, Le Divin Enfant”, “Vive le Vent” (“Jingle Bells”), “Douce Nuit, Sainte Nuit” (“Silent Night”), and “Petit Papa Noël”.
These melodies add to the festive cheer, creating a joyful and reflective atmosphere that is enjoyed by people of all ages.
Papillotes and Mulled Wine
A delightful sweet tradition in France during Christmas is the consumption of papillotes. These are chocolates or pates de fruits wrapped in sparkling golden paper with fringed ends. Inside, there is usually a little note, adding a touch of whimsy to this treat. The tradition dates back to the 18th century, inspired by a confectioner named Papillot in Lyon.
Mulled wine is another popular tradition, especially during winter. This warm, spiced beverage can be found in bars, Christmas markets, and even on the streets. It has become a trendy seasonal drink, perfect for cozy fireside gatherings at home or après-ski.