If you like holiday projects with an international flair, then here’s one just for you. Now, I need someone fluent in French to help me out here. I know the saying has something to do with little shoes, but I am not sure what that has to do with Christmas. Can someone help? As always your assistance is appreciated and the info will be updated here in the blog. Get the free chart from Miss T.
Update: Thanks to our intrepid readers, I now know that it is French tradition to receive gifts in shoes instead of stockings, hence the quote, “Don’t Forget My Little Shoes.” This quote is also from a song, according to Fabienne, who remembers it fondly and includes a link – see the comments for the source. Thanks again faithful and helpful readers.
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Lindsay says
It says, “Don’t forget my little shoes.” French Santa leaves gifts in children’s shoes, not their stockings.
wendy says
the post doesn’t tell you why, but I think it’s probably from the tradition of putting out a shoe, rather than a stocking, for Santa to fill.
wendy says
I’ve just had confirmation from a french colleague, they put out shoes, but Santa puts their gifts down and puts the shoes on top so they know whose presents are whose.
Fabienne says
In 1946, just after the war, a french singer Tino Rossi sings a song called Petit Papa Noel (little Father Christmas). It is a beautiful song, still sung by all french children. The words of the song say: When you come down from the sky, don’t forget my little shoes.
Tears come to my eyes just thinking about my childhood! Silly me!
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3onrd_tino-rossi-petit-papa-noel-version_music
Connie Barwick says
Thanks Wendy! I will add that info to the post.
Connie Barwick says
Thanks Lindsay!
Connie Barwick says
Thanks Fabienne!