Jackson Free Press

Although it's pretty rusty now, I actually majored in French in college. I love the language and the culture and the food and the people—basically everything. But one of my favorite things about the country is how they celebrate the new year.

In the style of an extravagant culture, France doesn't take the holiday lightly. New Year's Eve, called La Saint-Sylvestre or la fete de Saint-Sylvestre, was named after Pope Sylvester I, who reigned from 314 to 335, a pivotal time in the Catholic Church. Pope Sylvester was buried in the Catacomb of Priscilla Dec. 31, 335.

On Dec. 31, French people have a huge feast called le Reveillon de la Saint-Sylvestre, where they drink Champagne and eat food such as foie gras. At midnight on Le Jour de l'An, people kiss under the mistletoe and share new year wishes. They may also give gifts and exchange cards.

The last day of the festival falls on Epiphany, usually celebrated on Jan. 6 or the first Sunday in January.

At least one of the customs of this holiday may sound familiar to those of us across the pond who celebrate Mardi Gras—the French eat a cake called "la galette de Rois." It's made up of layers of puff pastry with a "frangipane" (an almond filling). A china doll is hidden in the cake. If children are present, they direct who gets what piece of the cake. The person who gets the figurine is the king or queen of the day and gets a crown.

So this New Year's Eve, why not do as the French do and send 2013 out with a bang? Bonne annee et bonne sante! Avons une bonne 2014!