One of the most unique things about Santa Barbara’s full service catering company Catering Connection is that is quite intercontinental. Its staff represents all different cultures and countries, and because of this, brings a wealth of richness to all they do. Event Manager Philippe Berger was born in France, and we asked him what his favorite French or family traditions were this time of year. Here is what he had to say:
… I’m not sure it’s really a French tradition but more of a family one. For ever I can remember, we celebrated Christmas on Christmas Eve in my family, but spilled over into Christmas Day as well. My parents would organize a family dinner with 20 or so guests, and festivities would start a bit later, like 8, with aperitif and hors d’oeuvres, dinner around 9 ish with several courses often to include oysters, smoked salmon, lobster, foie gras (festive french food), and then right before midnight, one of the adults would tell the kids ‘did you hear anything?’ and everybody would get very excited; the kids would be sent to a bedroom or garage, and in less than 10 minutes, gifts would ‘mysteriously’ appear under the tree. By the time the kids would come back, we had just missed HIM (Santa)… gift opening would happen that night and then dessert would be served (buche de noel and chocolate truffles) then everybody would go home happy and satiated early morning!
