Christmas around the world: in Quebec (Canada)
Pendant longtemps, la célébration de Christmas au Québec était axée davantage vers l’aspect religieux de cette fête. Personne n’aurait songé à ne pas assister à la messe de minuit. C’était plutôt au Jour de l’An que la famille et les amis festoyaient autour d’une table bien garnie, se visitaient et s’échangeaient des cadeaux.
Starting in the third week of November, Quebec stores and boutiques are filled with Christmas-themed decorations, followed by Christmas trees outside adorned with lights to herald the festive season. Quebecers enjoy decorating the interior and exterior of their homes (lights, Christmas trees, garlands) for the holiday season.
Traditions
Comme dans beaucoup d’autres pays du monde, les enfants du Québec espèrent la venue du Santa Claus, le soir du 24 décembre. Plusieurs préparent à son intention un léger goûter constitué de biscuits et d’un verre de lait. Dès le lendemain matin, ils se précipiteront vers les cadeaux qu’a apportés le cher Bonhomme à la barbe blanche…s’ils ont été bien sages dans l’année.
Adults and older children celebrate Christmas together at home on the evening of December 24th or the following day. After the meal, a "game leader" names the gift recipients and presents them to each one. At midnight, champagne (or sparkling wine) is drunk.
The Quebec table
Even today, roasted and stuffed turkey is part of the traditional Christmas menu, accompanied by cranberry jelly. Tourtière (pork, beef, and veal pie) and pig's foot stew are still found on every table that remains faithful to the traditional Quebec holiday menu. Not to mention the Yule log for dessert.
In recent years, however, more recent generations have introduced a lighter New Year's Eve table, with starters and main courses more inspired by nouvelle cuisine (verrines or fine bites as starters, braised meats, desserts in cups or tiramisu).
While families and friends enjoy getting together to celebrate Christmas as much as ever, there is no longer as much singing and dancing as there used to be.
