Advent Day Seven, Christmas at the library

Some Christmas themed books at our village library

Advent Day Seven

Christmas at the library

This afternoon, I’ve had fun at the village library putting together a little display of Christmas themed books and magazines to tempt our readers. There is something for everyone, from children’s stories, books on oysters and foie gras – both typically found on the Christmas and New Year table in France, and magazines full of ideas for decorations, recipes and seasonal days out. It isn’t quite as festive as I’d have liked, but with all the decorations locked in the basement, it was the best I could do today.

Qui a peur du Père Fouette ?

 

One of the books that caught my eye was called “Qui a peur du Père Fouettard ?” This translates to “Who is afraid of Father Whipper?” - although fouettard can also be used to describe a bogeyman. Instead of a jolly Père Noel, dressed in red and with his sack of presents, Père Fouettard, is dressed in dark robes, looks rather grumpy and brandishes a whip (un fouet). 

 

We have all grown up knowing that Father Christmas only visits the good children, but in France the naughty children don’t just miss out on presents and Christmas cheer, they risk a visit from Père Fouettard (and his whip) and will receive a scolding for their misdemeanours.

 

You’ll be pleased to hear that in this book, Père Fouettard decides he has had enough of being nasty to the children, and as poor Père Noel is having to make his deliveries on foot, as his reindeers are all feeling poorly, the two of them decide to work together. After all, it is much nicer to bring joy and happiness, and help out a friend, than to be the one to deliver a scolding.

 

Ho ho ho!