Hello! SO you all know that I will be spending the holidays in San Diego but Provence has some pretty cool traditions I wanted to share with everyone.
Christmas Markets: Just about every town has their own set of markets. Often you can find french specialties but you also find things from all over the world. It is fun to try new types of food and find fun gift ideas. Here in Aix, the Cours Mirabeau is lined with a market and my favorite stand is definitely the "vin chaud" (aka hot wine) stand. So delicious!
Santons: These are the traditional Provençal figures for the crib scenes. They are hand-made out of clay and they are only made in Provence. Aix is famous for them! They are beautiful and it is a tradition for French families to put out their "santons" (little saintes) on December 5th and they stay out well into January.
The meal: it s called "le gros souper" (aka big meal). Traditionally, the whole family is present. The table is covered with three white cloths layered over each other and has three white candles symbolizing the Holy Trinity. The sprouted lentils and wheat, tied with ribbon and sprigs of myrtle decorate the table. In Provence, places are laid for the poor and for family members who have died.
13 Desserts: yes there really are 13! It is broken up into 3 categories: dried fruit and nuts, fresh fruit, and sweets. Here are some of the common sweets: Calissons d'Aix (almond-paste pastry with sugar icing), brioche, nougat, buche de noel (cake shaped like a log), and navettes. This is often held late at night following the Midnight Mass.
Sooooo there you have it!
Gros bises :)
