How to wish a “Merry Christmas”, “Happy Holidays” and “Happy New Year” in French
Joyeux Noël! Merry Christmas!
“The holidays” include both Noël and Le Nouvel An, New Year, and can be packed in “Les Fêtes de fin d’année”. This can be shortened to “les fêtes” like this:
Tu fais quoi pour les fêtes? What are you doing for the holidays?
Bonnes fêtes de fin d’année. This means “Happy holidays!”
TIP: “Bonnes fêtes de fin d’année” is perfect for a formal email, especially the last one before Christmas.
If you write Christmas cards (Les cartes de voeux), here are two ready-to-use messages:
Nous vous souhaitons de joyeuses fêtes de Noël et
une excellente année 2014.
Bonnes fêtes de fin d’année de la part de la famille Smith.
Don’t forget to wish a “Bonne année” (Happy New Year) to each person you meet at the beginning of January and
indeed all the way through and often into February!
The perfect gift for each family member
The December-long preparation of Christmas includes finding the best presents to put under “le sapin de Noël” (the Christmas tree) for your loved ones. So starting December 1st, you’ll hear phrases such as:
Tu es au point sur tes cadeaux? Are you OK on your Christmas gifts?
Tu veux quoi pour Noël? What do you want for Christmas?
Je cherche encore un cadeau de Noël pour ma soeur. Tu as une idée? I’m still looking for a Christmas present for my sister. Do you have an idea?
If you write a little note on your present, here is the script:
Pour Julie de la part de Marc. For Julie, from Marc.
Joyeux Noël! Merry Christmas!
More from Geraldine at www.commeunefrancaise.com