Contrary to popular belief in Anglophone media, Christmas Day is comparatively subdued.
We all know Père Noël, but the French Christmas Celebration has a darker, older stratum of folklore, especially in Eastern France (Alsace, Lorraine, and Franche-Comté). French Christmas Celebration Part 2
The true soul of a French Christmas is not found on December 25th morning; it is found just after midnight on the 24th. This is Le Réveillon (from the verb réveiller, meaning "to wake up" or "to revive"). Contrary to popular belief in Anglophone media, Christmas
Traditionally, this was a late-night feast observed after returning from the midnight mass (la Messe de Minuit). While fewer French people attend mass today (many go to a late afternoon service instead), the Réveillon has not only survived but thrived. It is a marathon dinner that often stretches from 10:00 PM until 3:00 or 4:00 AM. This is Le Réveillon (from the verb réveiller