In Canada, Santa Claus is called, well, Santa Claus. He travels in a sleigh pulled by nine reindeer. It lands on rooftops and Santa slides down the chimney to fill stockings with gifts and in return enjoy some milk and cookies.
In France, it’s a bit different. Santa is called Père Noel – although there is another character called St. Nicolas. No worry about confusing the two, they are dressed differently and St. Nicolas substitutes a donkey for the reindeer.
Now, it gets really confusing. In France, Santa travels with one reindeer and one helper called Père Fouettard. (He reminds Santa who has been good or bad.) Instead of stockings hanging from the fireplace mantle, children leave slippers that he fills with treats. Instead of milk and cookies, children here leave out a glass of wine for Santa (How French!) and a carrot for the reindeer.
Maybe it’s due to local ordinances, but I don’t think Santa lands on rooftops in France. Every house (and barge) that has put up decorations has Santa climbing up the side of the building (or barge). I guess it doesn’t matter – as long as he’s able to drop off his gifts and get his glass of wine.
