Noël dans les pays étrangers

In this vivid travelogue, the author journeys through the Christmas customs of the northern European nations, from Sweden and Norway to England and Germany. He notes how worship services echo familiar rites, yet the hymns often drift in the local tongue, giving each celebration a distinct flavor. The narrative also highlights beloved carols like the English adaptation of “Adeste Fideles” and the Dutch “Engelenzang” that fill the air of festive chapels.

Beyond the church doors, the book paints a lively picture of bustling markets where Stockholm’s squares fill with freshly cut fir trees, and every household, however modest, decorates its own. It describes the playful Swedish tradition of the Juleklap—gifts concealed in bundles of straw, flowers or bright paper, delivered with a knock that sparks laughter as families hunt for the hidden treasure. The chapter also recounts the hearty northern feast, from cured ham and rye‑steamed rice to the notorious lustsfisk, a seasoned cod prepared with ancient methods, all washed down with strong Spanish wine.