Source: blogzworth / Radio One Digital
[published 12/24/2019]
December 24 is Christmas Eve and there are so many holiday traditions all around the world that happen on this day. Some are ancient practices that have evolved over the years while others have remained pretty much the same.
Christmas Eve is filled with both religious and nonreligious traditions. As we know, the religious traditions are centered around the birth of our savior Jesus Christ! As we see his name in the word Christ-mas.
Other denominations use this day for their own traditions as well. Did you know that on Christmas Eve Roman Catholics and Anglicans hold Midnight Mass? Also Lutherans celebrate with candlelight services and Christmas carols Many evangelical churches hold evening services where families celebrate Holy Communion.
CHRISTMAS EVE HISTORY
“Hearkening back to the 16th century when Christian traditions were first influenced by winter solstice celebrations, decorating and preparing for Christmas Day took place the evening before. This included putting up the tree, decorating with mistletoe and holly, bringing in the Yule log and making dishes for the Christmas meal.
Jewish traditions have historically influenced Christian practices, too. One such practice is that the church day traditionally begins in the evening. Christian churches have celebrated Christmas Eve in part because it is believed that Jesus was born at midnight. Many churches today hold Christmas Eve services or Midnight Masses. They may also hold candlelight vigils, Nativity productions or sing carols.” – National Day Calendar
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What we all have in common is that all over the world, Christmas Eve is celebrated with food! In Italy, they celebrate with the Feast of Seven Fishes and Russians traditionally serve a 12-dish Christmas Eve Dinner before opening gifts. In Bulgaria, the Christmas Eve meal consists of an odd, not even, number of meatless dishes.
Besides food and religious services, we’re all familiar with the big guy in the sky, Santa Clause. (Other names for the white-bearded man in a red suit include Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, and Saint Nicholas.) Did you know that the legend of Santa is actually based on a real man named Saint Nicholas of Myra. The early Christian bishop was known for secret gift-giving, as well as many miracles. Through the years, the Saint developed into the character of Santa including the North Pole, his sleigh, the reindeer, a naughty or nice list, and his jolly laugh, “ho, ho, ho.”
Ways To Observe ChristmasEve:
Below are a few ways to observe Christmas Eve provided by National Day Calendar.
- Attend church for a candlelight service or Midnight Mass
- Read the account of Jesus’ birth from the book of Luke
- Put out milk and cookies for Santa
- Pass out Christmas cookies and other goodies to your neighbors
- Host an ugly Christmas sweater party
- Gather around the tree with your family and cups of cocoa and share favorite holiday memories
- Go caroling in your neighborhood or at a senior center
- Make a gingerbread house
- Hang up Christmas stockings
- Read Christmas classics like The Night Before Christmas and A Christmas Carol
- Watch a fun Christmas movie like Elf, Home Alone, or The Grinch
- Rent a limo and look at Christmas lights
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