The Bonsieur listeners. Because episode 473 of the podcast is getting released on Christmas Eve, I decided to do something special and tell you a Christmas story.

That explains why there are no Christmas stockings in France. I'll also talk about the traditionque countryside of Provence, there lived a kind-hearted

cobbler named Antoine. Antoine was known throughout the village for his exceptional craftsmanship, especially when it came to creating

wooden shoes or sabo, as they are called in French.

One cold December evening, as the snowflakes began to gently fall, Antoine noticed the poor

ragged traveler seeking shelter from the winter chill. His heart filled with compassion and he invited

the weary traveler into his humble workshop.

Antoine offered the stranger a warm meal and a place by the cozy fire.

As the traveler shared tales of his long journey and the hardships he had endured,

Antoine listened attentively. The man revealed that he was none other than Pernoelle,

the French counterpart of Santa Claus, who brought gifts to children on Christmas Eve.

Moved by the traveler's story, Antoine decided to do something special for Pernuel.

He crafted a beautiful pair of wooden shoes, beautifully decorated with

colourful patterns and a tiny bell on each toe. He presented the shoes to Pernoelle as a gift to help him on his long night of gift-giving.

Touched by Antoine's kindness, Pernoelle was filled with gratitude.

He left the cobbler's workshop that night promising to return with gifts for Antoine's family.

True to his word, Bernouelle came back on Christmas Eve, leaving presents for Antoine's children, and a note expressing how grateful he was.

From that day forward, the village embraced the tradition of leaving wooden shoes by the fireplace

on Christmas Eve hoping that Pernoelle would visit and fill them with small gifts and sweets.

The sound of bells ringing softly from the shoes became a cherished part of the holiday season, reminding everyone of the

kind cobbler and his act of generosity.

The legend of Pernoelle and the wooden shoes is a folk tale that comes from Provence or perhaps the north of France or perhaps to lose. We don't know.

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