by Alice, age 7, asks Pere Noel do you have a long white beard?, about the Seine River, and France’s shoes-by-the-fireplace tradition
Dear Pere Noel,
My name is Alice and I am 7 years old. I live in Paris, France, where my papa takes me to see the Christmas windows on the big department stores every December, all moving and lit up like tiny stages.
First, do you have a long white beard?
Second, a geography question: what river runs through Paris?
Third, a school question about my country: why do French children put shoes by the fireplace instead of stockings?
I left you papillotes and cider.
Love, Alice, age 7, Paris, France, Paris, France
From the Desk of Pere Noel
Dear Alice, thank you for the treat, it was wonderful. Now, your questions.
Do you have a long white beard?
A proper long white beard, yes, grown over what feels like an impossibly long tradition of French Christmases.
What river runs through Paris?
The Seine River winds right through the heart of Paris, past the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame, its bridges strung with lights that make for one of the loveliest views on my entire European route.
Why do French children put shoes by the fireplace instead of stockings?
This tradition traces back to the older custom of Saint Nicholas, whose feast day on December 6th long predates the modern Pere Noel, when children would leave their shoes out to be filled with small gifts overnight. As the two traditions blended over the centuries, the shoes by the fireplace remained.
Joyeux Noel, Alice.
Ho ho ho, Pere Noel
