Xbox marketing in France has always been quite creative, ever since the time in which it they crashed the PS3's launch party with an Xbox boat. This time around, they decided to bring forth a mascot to celebrate Christmas: Bernard the Bear.

Everything started with a tweet from Xbox France, showcasing the jolly bear associated with a contest, and the hashtag #NoelXbox.

Incidentally, in France they don't really feel the need to hide behind the term "holidays," they have no problem in using "Christmas," or more precisely its French translation, "Noël."

Turns out that Microsoft actually created a whole Twitter account for Bernard, and it's rather funny.  

"The teddy bear of Christmas is me, #Bernard, and I will give you gifts every day with @XboxFR #NoelXbox."

"I come with my team to deliver gifts!"

"It isn't just Xbox France that asks you to choose a team. Me too!" (#TeamBlackBear, #TeamPolarBear, GGGRrrrrrr?)

"Oh Oh Oh, here's a little taste of my cave. I'll let you win them in the coming days for #NoelXbox."

"There's only one vigilante, and it's Bat #Bernard! #BatmanvSuperman #NoelXbox."

What not everyone knows, is that Bernard is actually a bear statue that is often showcased at events like Paris Games Week more.

The mascot has been quite successful, gaining over 3,000 followers in three days. Funnily, the account is spending the time sending people thousands of bear pictures and animated GIFs, Below you can see a small selection.

One thing is for sure: we can't say that the folks at Xbox France don't know how to have fun.