In the US, we often give small monetary gifts at Christmas time to certain people who supply services, such as hairdressers or housecleaners. In France, this is done at New Year’s and the gifts are called ‘les etrennes‘. Some of the recipients are similar: the concierge or guardienne (in large cities this would correspond to the doorman or super of the building or maybe the security guard) or the coiffeuse (hairdresser). But in France the postman (facteur/factrice), the fireman (pompier) and the garbageman (éboueur) expect their etrennes. Sometimes they offer a calendar in return. The custom is ancient; it dates back to Roman times.
I don’t know anyone who offers Christmas money to firemen in California, given that their employee benefits are better than most folks.
Cynthia Tuttelman (aka "Tut") is a writer, family doctor and quilter who lives in Northern California and part-time each year in Paris, France. Follow along and explore the wonders of Paris.