"St Nicolas Day is a huge deal in Germany, where it's known as Nikolaustag, but certain areas of France celebrate it too, largely concentrated in the north east. The reason for this is connected to the history of Alsace-Lorraine, the historic region now part of the Grand-Est, which passed between French and German hands several times in the nineteenth century, leaving the inhabitants with a lot of German influences on language, cuisine and festivals."
"French language expert and founder of French today, Camille Chevalier-Karfis, whose family is originally from the region, said: "It's an important festival in the Christian calendar but it's also important to families who grew up in that area. My mother always liked to have us all visit for Saint Nicolas. "He is the patron saint of children and traditionally on December 6th he brings little gifts - sweets, dried fruits, chocolate"
Saint Nicolas Day is observed on December 6 in parts of France, particularly in the north-east. The day features parades, family celebrations and traditional gingerbread, with customs largely influenced by German practices. The historic region of Alsace-Lorraine passed between French and German control in the nineteenth century, leaving German influences on language, cuisine and festivals. Strasbourg hosts a major Christmas market and the north-east is often called the 'Christmas centre'. Saint Nicolas, the patron saint of children, is said to have saved three children and traditionally brings small gifts such as sweets, dried fruits and chocolate.
Read at The Local France
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