[Traditional ways to spend New Year's in France]

There are several ways to spend and celebrate New Year's in France. While Christmas is generally spent with family, New Year's is often spent with friends or as a couple. It is also an opportunity to reunite with friends or spend a romantic holiday with a partner . In other words, New Year's is a holiday that is less formal than Christmas and can be enjoyed more lightly.

New Year's actually begins on New Year's Eve. On December 31st, people decide whether to stay home or go to a party. In France, there is an expression for dressing up: "être sur son 31." This shows how deeply rooted the custom of partying on New Year's Eve is in France.

If you're at home, you can invite friends over for dinner and watch the countdown on TV. For those who want to go out, there are parties held at home, in clubs, or on the streets. People have fun all night long. Couples can enjoy a quiet, intimate evening.

No matter how you spend your time, the countdown to midnight is one of the most anticipated moments.

During the first few seconds of midnight on January 1st, most people raise their glasses and exchange wishes for the new year.

The rest of January 1st is usually spent relaxing at home.

By a staff member living in France