France – Père Noël or Papa Noël
Père Noël is French for Father Christmas. In France, he wears a long red cloak with a hood trimmed in white fur. Well-behaved children receive toys and gifts in the evening after Mass on Christmas Eve. Instead of hanging stockings, children leave their shoes and slippers by the fireplace. If they have been good, Père Noël will leave treats in their shoes or slippers. The tradition says that Père Noël travels with someone named Père Fouettard, or "the whipping father." He spanks any children who did not behave well throughout the year. Children may leave carrots and treats for Pere Noel’s flying donkey, Gui.