As far as classic Christmas Eve activities go, nothing beats reading the “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” poem with a crackling fireplace ... the legend of Santa Claus as we know it ...

The country is also known for its famed Christmas ... the fireplace. They hope that Pere Noel, France's Santa, puts gifts in their shoes. He also hangs small toys, nuts and fruits on the tree.

The original description by publisher Lubin Films reads: "In this picture you see Santa Claus enter the room from the fireplace and proceed to trim the tree. He then fills the stockings that were ...