Since pagan times, it was customary to decorate with greenery on festivals, especially with holly, ivy, and mistletoe.

This festival culminated with the celebration of the winter solstice, which fell on December 25 in the Roman calendar. It was also common to give other people small gifts, such as dolls for children and candles for adults. This was a relaxing time with a lot of parties and merry making. In Roman times, a mid-winter festival was held. These include the importance of candles and decorations made from evergreen bushes and trees, symbolizing everlasting light and life. However, many Christmas traditions that are around today have their roots in pre-Christian winter festivals. Christmas Eve is the day before Christmas Day and is associated with celebrating Jesus Christ’s birth, although his actual birth date has been disputed among many scholars. BackgroundĬhristmas Eve, also known as the Vigil of Christmas, is perceived as the culmination of the Advent season. Airports, bus stations and train stations may be busy as many people travel to visit their families around this time of the year. Schools and educational institutions are usually closed on Christmas Eve as it falls as part of either the winter (northern hemisphere) or summer (southern hemisphere) vacation period. Some stores are often open late to accommodate for last-minute Christmas shopping in some cities around the world. Many people in countries such as Brazil have the afternoon off work on Christmas Eve. Some banks and businesses are closed in some countries, including Austria and Germany, on Christmas Eve. Public LifeĬhristmas Eve is a public holiday in countries such as the Czech Republic and Estonia. 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. Many churches also display a crèche or miniature Nativity scene. These services include special choirs and sermons to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Many churches hold special services during Christmas Eve, including midnight services. 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. It is also a time for children in many countries around the world to hang their Christmas stockings (or pillow cases), hoping for a present to arrive from Santa Claus on Christmas Day, which is December 25 in the Gregorian calendar. Some people organize groups of singers who go Christmas caroling from door to door, or sing Christmas carols in public venues. 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. In some cultures, presents are exchanged and opened on the night of Christmas Eve. In some countries Christmas Eve is celebrated with large family meals featuring traditional Christmas dishes. 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. It is observed in many countries such as Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States. Many people around the world celebrate Christmas Eve in different ways. It is a Christian observance that falls on December 24 in the Gregorian calendar.Ĭhristmas trees are decorated with baubles, lights and tinsel during the Christmas season. Add to calendar Christmas Eve 2022Ĭhristmas Eve, which is the day before Christmas Day, is celebrated in many countries worldwide.

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The day before christmas