Christmas Eve is an exciting night – just think of all the possibilities that can come true on this magical evening! Families gather around the Christmas tree, exchanging gifts and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Kids can hardly contain their excitement as they try to take in all of the holiday cheer. The anticipation is contagious as all are in high spirits, joyfully providing each other with presents and sharing stories of Christmases past. Once darkness falls, and it’s time to head off to bed, you can bet that everyone’s dreams are filled with visions of a white Christmas, just waiting to be unveiled under the morning sun.
HISTORY OF CHRISTMAS EVE
Christmas Eve has a long and exciting history! It has been celebrated for centuries, with evidence indicating that the first midwinter celebrations occurred as far back as ancient Rome. In early Christianity, Christmas Eve was considered holy, with special mass services held late in the evening on December 24th. Some Christian cultures also used to keep vigil throughout Christmas Eve night and into the morning, waiting to celebrate Jesus’ birth at midnight on December 25th. Even today in some countries of Central Europe and Latin America, it is still quite common for families to come together for singing carols on Christmas Eve. No matter how it’s celebrated, Christmas Eve remains a cherished time of year around the world!
FIVE DIFFERENT CHRISTMAS EVE TRADITIONS
Christmas eve is one of the most magical time of year, and together with its special traditions, it makes for an unforgettable festive experience! From caroling around the Christmas Tree in Germany to eating privatej Maslenitsa before Lent in Russia, cultures around the world celebrate Christmas eve with truly stunning traditions.
- In Japan, families come together to admire beautiful kadomatsu decorated with pine, bamboo and plum branches.
- In Brazil, children will leave shoes at their windows for Dom Bosco and his ox to fill with presents.
- Piñata celebrations that take place in many countries such as Mexico or Venezuela!
- Germans love to carol around the Christmas tree.
- In France, families gather together to enjoy a grand feast known as the ‘Reveillon’ which includes lavish dishes such as roast turkey and oysters.
HOW TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS EVE
- Enjoy a manger scene and read the story of Baby Jesus.
- 50 fun things to do on Christmas Eve.
- The official NORAD Santa Tracker.
- Attend Christmas Eve church services or join the Washington National Cathedral Service online.
- Start a new Christmas tradition – Fun Pioneer Woman Ideas.
- If you love the article image, purchase it on these fun products on Zazzle!
Note: If the above links do not direct you to the appropriate referral on the first try, return to the article and try again.
Do you have any ideas about how to celebrate this day? Please share them!
