New Year in France

Here's some info on New Year in France, once again from www.french.about.com

In France, New Year's Eve (31 December) is called la Saint-Sylvestre,* and is usually celebrated with a feast, called le Réveillon de Saint-Sylvestre. The feast tends to include special items like champagne and foie gras, and the accompanying party can range from an intimate dinner with friends to une soirée dansante (ball).At midnight, everyone kisses under the mistletoe** and offers their best wishes for the new year.On New Year's Day, le Jour de l'An, friends and family share their New Year's resolutions and may also exchange cards and gifts.The end of the holiday season is Epiphany, on 6 January, which in France includes a traditional cake called la galette des rois.

*Saint Sylvester was Pope from 314 to 335 A.D., during the time of Constantine the Great.
There is no particular link between Saint Sylvester and the new year; it just so happens that 31 December is his feast day. La Saint-Sylvestre is short for la fête de Saint-Sylvestre.

**Interestingly, kissing under the mistletoe is a New Year's custom in France, rather than a Christmas custom as in other countries.

French New Year's Vocabulary
Bonne Année ! Happy New Year!
une bonne resolution New Year's resolution
les étrennes New Year's gifts
le gui mistletoe
le Jour de l'An New Year's Day
la Saint-Sylvestre New Year's Eve