What do French people talk about during Christmas dinner?
Oh, oh, oh, Joyeux Noël! It’s that time of the year again 🎅. Christmas is just around the corner, and with it… the dreaded Xmas conversations! Feared by some, loved by others - they’re a true art form that few can master. Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating a little 😂. So, what are the most popular topics around the table in France on December 24th? As you know, family gatherings can be pretty tumultuous among the Frenchy crowd!
In this article, I’ll share everything you need to know about the most typical conversations during French Christmas dinner!
Popular chat during apéro de Noël: the warming up
How’s life? Grandparents with zero filters want to know
The dreaded moment has arrived... French parents or long-lost relatives you haven't seen in ages corner you for an update on your life. Brace yourself for classic questions like:
Alors, comment ça va les amours ? (the absolute worst one 😬)
Et toi, tu en es où dans la vie ? (cue the existential crisis...)
Ça se passe bien à Paris ? (or whatever city you live in - if you're in Paris, they’ll ask about rent!).
It’s a mix of curiosity, love, and well-intentioned awkwardness. Pro tip: master the art of the vague yet polite response!
Tchin-tchin: time to toast!
During the apéro, it’s time to pop some bubbly and toast with friends and family. This moment is often paired with festive bites, like foie gras or toast topped with smoked salmon. Champagne glasses are raised high, that’s when we say:
Joyeux Noël ! (= Merry Christmas)
Allez, santé !
Tchin tchin !
À la tienne ! (= Cheers)
This ritual sets the tone for the evening. Don’t forget to make eye contact during the toast - it's a must in the Hexagone!
Typical conversations at French Christmas dinner table: where things get serious
Time to shower the cook with compliments
During this seemingly endless aperitif, everyone’s thinking about one thing: getting to the main course. After what might feel like hours, the moment you’ve been waiting for - for weeks - finally arrives… Dinner can officially begin!
First comes l’entrée, followed by le plat principal. This is also your chance to shower the host with compliments and marvel at the dishes on the table! From capon stuffed with chestnuts to scallops, pommes dauphines, roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, or green beans, there’s usually an awful lot.
Here are some things you can tell your host:
Le repas est délicieux ! (= The meal is divine)
En tout cas, je dis : bravo au cuisinier ! (= Well I have to say: bravo to the cook)
Ces noix de Saint Jacques sont excellentes ! (These scallops are amazing)
C’est copieux, je vais exploser. (This is hearty, I’m going to explode 😂)
Tu me donneras la recette ? (Can I get the recipe?)
French people rarely hold back when it comes to expressing enthusiasm about food!
Politics and other heated debates on the Réveillon
It’s not a proper French Christmas without at least a little debate at the table! This is when opinions fly, voices rise, and certain topics spark some memorable discussions:
Complaining about taxes or pensions? Check.
Mocking politicians and arguing about François Bayrou, the new prime minister: Check.
Whether your brother cheated at the Belote this afternoon? Check again!
Pro tip: tread carefully. 😂
➡️ Hi there, find out a list of subjects you definitely don’t want to bring up on the Réveillon!
Sweet talk while enjoying yule log: the cool down
Grandpa’s wild youth and other classics
After dinner, it’s time for the cheese plate! And let’s be honest, no festive meal is complete without some classic family anecdotes. Parents and grandparents may take over the conversation with tales of the good old days. Expect to hear gems like:
“Quand j’étais petit, on recevait seulement une orange pour Noël.”
“When I was a kid, all we got for Christmas was a single orange.”
An absolute classic - and a true story from my Mum!
The kids wondering about Santa
Finally, it’s time for dessert - la bûche de Noël, THE ultimate French Christmas treat! By this point, the children are buzzing with excitement, wondering how Santa will fit down the chimney. It’s your time to ask them the eternal question:
Alors, qu’est-ce que tu as commandé au Père Noël ?
(So, what did you ask Santa for this year?)
Est-ce que tu as été sage cette année ? (Have you been good this year?)
And then of course, there are two schools of thought: those who open presents on Christmas Eve, and those who open them on the morning of the 25th (my team 😉)! In all cases, here are some classic sentences you’ll hear in France during the gift exchange:
Tiens, c’est pour toi ! (= Here, this is for you)
Oh, il ne fallait pas ! (= You shouldn’t have)
Merci beaucoup ! (= Thank you so much)
C’est trois fois rien… (= It’s nothing really)
There you go: you’re now ready to survive at a French Réveillon. If you ever take part in one, just be mentally prepared - it can last for hours! Of course, every family has its own unique traditions! What about you? What do you chat about on Xmas Eve? Are there any topics you share with the French? I’d love to hear about it! 😀
➡️ Psst, here’s my podcast about Francophones raising bilingual kids in Australia. 🌏
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