Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve is the evening or entire day before Christmas Day. It is a major holiday for people in Western society and Christendom. Many people use this time to prepare for the big celebration.

Families often gather to sing Christmas carols together. They might also decorate with bright lights and trees. People often wrap and exchange gifts during this time.

Religious traditions often focus on the birth of Jesus Christ. Because the story says Jesus was born at night, many churches hold a Midnight Mass.

This service happens at or near midnight. In some places, like Poland, it is called pasterka. In Lithuania, it is known as piemenėlių mišios. Some churches now hold these services earlier, like at 7 pm, to help young children attend.

Many people create nativity scenes to tell the story.

These scenes use small figures to show Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus in a manger. You might also see angels, shepherds, or animals in the scene. Some people even add the Magi, who are the wise men. In some churches, the Christ Candle is lit during the service.

Members of the congregation may even pass a candle flame to one another.

Different cultures have unique ways of celebrating this night.

In Bulgaria, families eat a meal with an odd number of dishes. This can include bean soup, stuffed peppers, or nuts. In Cuba, roasted pig is often the main food.

In the Philippines, people attend dawn Masses called Simbang Gabi starting at 4 or 5 am. Byzantine Christians may fast until the first star appears in the sky. This honors the Star of Bethlehem.

Christmas Eve also features legendary figures who bring joy.

Many children look for Santa Claus or Father Christmas. In some parts of Europe, people celebrate the Christkind. This figure was introduced in the 16th century. Other people remember Saint Nicholas, whose feast day is on December 6. These stories help connect the holiday to the spirit of giving.