Christmas Eve

 Christmas Eve

Candles of the Christian devotees can be seen at a church in Kolkata during the Midnight Mass in Kolkata, India on December 24, 2022.(Getty Images)

Christmas Eve is a magical night that happens every year on December 24th, just one day before Christmas. It's a time filled with excitement and anticipation for the special day ahead.

On Christmas Eve, families and friends often come together to celebrate. They might decorate a Christmas tree, hang stockings, and exchange gifts. Many people attend festive church services where they sing carols and hear stories about the birth of Jesus.

Man and Girl Decorating Tree (Image-Getty Images)

In some places, it's a tradition to leave out cookies and milk for Santa Claus, who is believed to visit homes during the night to deliver presents to good children. Children often go to bed with hearts full of hope and excitement, eager to see what surprises Christmas morning will bring.

Christmas Eve is also a time for delicious meals and treats. Families may enjoy a festive dinner together, sharing laughter and joy. Some cultures have special foods and traditions associated with Christmas Eve, making it a memorable and heartwarming occasion.

	Christmas trees are seen in the East Room looking towards the Cross Hall during the media preview for the 2023 Holidays at the White House in Washington, DC on November 27, 2023. The theme for the 2023 White House holiday decorations is The "Magic, Wonder, and Joy" of the Holidays.(Image-Getty Images)

As the night unfolds, the air is filled with a sense of wonder and happiness. Whether it's attending a candlelight service, exchanging gifts, or simply spending time with loved ones, Christmas Eve is a time to create cherished memories and embrace the joy of the holiday season.

Why is December 24th called Christmas Eve?

Christians attend the Christmas Mass at Roman Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Moscow, Russia on December 24, 2022(Image-Getty Images)

December 24th is called Christmas Eve because it's the evening before Christmas Day, which is when people celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The word "eve" means the day or period of time just before an important event. So, Christmas Eve is the special night before Christmas.

The tradition of celebrating Christmas Eve goes back many years. It's a time when families and friends come together to prepare for the festive day ahead. People often decorate their homes, exchange gifts, and participate in special activities. Many also attend church services to commemorate the story of the birth of Jesus.

The name "Christmas Eve" reflects the anticipation and excitement that build up on this night as everyone gets ready for the joyous celebration of Christmas. It's a time for sharing love, warmth, and good cheer with those close to us.

Is Christmas Eve a religious day?

Pope Francis presides over Christmas Eve Mass, at St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Saturday Dec. 24, 2022. (Image-Getty Images)

Yes, Christmas Eve is a religious day. It is the evening before Christmas Day, which is a Christian holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. On Christmas Eve, many Christians around the world attend special church services to celebrate the nativity, or the story of Jesus's birth.

Families often gather for prayers, hymns, and readings from the Bible. Some churches hold candlelight services, where people light candles to symbolize the arrival of Jesus as the "Light of the World." The religious significance of Christmas Eve lies in preparing for and rejoicing in the birth of Jesus, who is considered the central figure of Christianity.

While Christmas has also become a cultural and secular celebration with various traditions, the religious aspect of Christmas Eve remains important for those who observe it as a sacred and meaningful day in the Christian faith.