Christmas Eve Traditions
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Christmas Eve Traditions: Christmas Eve, which is the day before Christmas Day, is celebrated in many countries worldwide. It is a Christian observance that falls on December 24 in the Gregorian calendar.
Even if it is not a public holiday, be aware that many businesses in Europe will give employees the afternoon or the whole day as a holiday. For instance in Portugal, while Christmas Eve is not a national holiday, most companies give their employees the day or afternoon off to prepare and to be with their families, and many businesses will close earlier than normal.
25 Best Christmas Eve Traditions to Make Lasting Memories With Your Family
Plus, you’ll want to relax the night before your kids start tearing open Christmas presents, a day of cooking Christmas dinner, and various family gatherings. That’s why you’ll find that most of these things to do on Christmas Eve are low-key. From decorating gingerbread houses and Christmas crafts for kids to hanging Christmas stockings and tracking Santa, these activities will ensure you’re fully rested before the big day. Not to mention, you’ll be making memories you’ll cherish for years to come. And while some of the following things to do on Christmas Eve are tried and true, you’ll find some fresh ideas as well. No matter what you choose to do, these best Christmas Eve traditions are fun for kids and adults alike.
- Make homemade hot chocolate.
- Watch a tree lighting.
- Participate in an annual toy drive.
- Go ice skating outdoors.
- Attend a local Christmas market or craft fair.
- Look at Christmas lights.
- Have a Secret Santa gift exchange.
- Have a Secret Santa gift exchange.
- Pick out a Christmas tree.
- Make a gingerbread house.
- Count down with an advent calendar.
- Listen to classic Christmas music.
- Plan a cookie exchange.
- Get your craft on.
- Watch quintessential Christmas movies.
- Use cash only.
- Bake from scratch.
- Mail holiday cards.
- Decorate with what you have.
- Spend time together.
- Make gifts.
- Dress up.
- Write thank-you notes.
- Share memories.
- Give back to others.
Christmas Eve has many of its own customs and traditions. The most widely practiced one that still exists today is going to a Midnight Mass Church Service. In many countries, especially Catholic ones such as Spain, Mexico, Poland, and Italy, this is the most important Church service of the Christmas season. People might fast during Christmas Eve (not eat any meat or fish usually) and then the main Christmas meal is often eaten after the Midnight Mass Service in these countries. In some other countries, such as Belgium, Finland, Lithuania and Denmark the meal is eaten in the evening and you might go to a Midnight Service afterward!
What Do People Do?
Many people around the world celebrate Christmas Eve in different ways. It is observed in many countries such as Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Workers in some countries get a day off or half-day off to prepare for Christmas Day, including last-minute shopping for presents, decorations or food. In some countries, Christmas Eve is celebrated with large family meals featuring traditional Christmas dishes. In some cultures, presents are exchanged and opened on the night of Christmas Eve. Many homes have their Christmas trees lit up, mistletoes hung, and other Christmas decorations, such as holly and ivy, at this time of the year.
Some people organize groups of singers who go Christmas caroling from door to door or sing Christmas carols in public venues. It is also a time for children in many countries around the world to hang their Christmas stockings (or pillowcases), hoping for a present to arrive from Santa Claus on Christmas Day, which is December 25 in the Gregorian calendar. Children in France set out their shoes near a fireplace on Christmas Eve because they believe that Father Christmas (Santa Claus), also known as le Père Noël (in French), will arrive before dawn and fill them with toys, nuts, and sweets.
Many churches hold special services during Christmas Eve, including midnight services. These services include special choirs and sermons to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Many churches also display a crèche or miniature Nativity scene. Christmas celebrations in different countries combine the country’s cultural traditions, beliefs and superstitions with more contemporary customs, such as Santa Claus and Christmas trees.
History of Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve marks the culmination of the Advent period before Christmas that started on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Eve. Many churches will mark the end of Advent with midnight church services.
In Latin America, Christmas Eve marks the end of a nine-day period before Christmas, called ‘Las Posadas’ which represents the none months of labor for the Virgin Mary before she gave birth to Jesus.
