Some of the most popular Christmas Carols originate from several centuries ago. And many of them seem to come from France. For Example the lovely English carol Ding dong merrily on high is actually a French dance called Branle de l’official from the Orchésographie, a dance book written by Jehan Tabourot
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ding_Dong_Merrily_on_High
To appreciate the original flavour of the piece here are two videos you are sure to enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjoCqXpxLWM
