Since the beginning of Père Noël grams at North back in the 1990s, it has been a well-know, successful tradition. Costing only $1 per gram (which includes a carnation with either a French, Spanish or German Christmas card attached), between 150 and 300 grams were sold each year. However, due to lack of advertising, lack of French Club members and disorganization of French Club, a mere 150 were sold this season.

“I feel like more people should participate in Père Noël because it’s fun and a great way to participate in the Christmas season,” Secretary Ashley Brophy said.

Along with the fewer grams sold this season, the price of carnations has increased to over the $1 French Club was selling the grams for. Usually, the grams provide little to no profit for French Club, but this year, the Père Noël grams actually created a deficit. Despite the fact that French Club sponsor Dave Fritz will pay out of his own pocket for this deficit, he believes the $1 Père Noël tradition should still be carried on.

“I just like seeing people’s reaction when they get a flower they weren’t really expecting,” Fritz said.

To avoid a problem like this next Père Noël season, Fritz plans to advertise the grams more by hanging up flyers around school, having an article on FHNtoday.com and putting notices in the annoucements.

“We should advertise more by putting up flyers over school,” French Club member Chuck Winslow said.