The Christmas Kalends of Provence And Some Other Provençal Festivals

"The Christmas Kalends of Provence" by Thomas A. Janvier is a lively book capturing the unique Christmas traditions and celebrations in the Provence region of France during the early 1900s. The story paints a vivid picture of cultural rituals, customs, and the friendly connections between people celebrating the season, all set against Provence's beautiful scenery. The book explores local stories and shows how history and current celebrations are tied together. The journey starts when the reader arrives with the author at Monsieur de Vièlmur's home, a traditional country gentleman. He is focused on keeping Provençal customs safe within the region. He is invited into the preparations for Christmas, starting with planting Saint Barbara's grain, a tradition believed to predict the next harvest. As the story goes on, the reader meets others, like Misè Fougueiroun, the housekeeper, and experiences the family relationships that emphasize happiness and community during the holidays, which introduces Provençal culture during Christmas.