Christmas is approaching and it is a lovely occasion, associated with many traditions and customs celebrated around the world. The day before Christmas is known as Christmas Eve. It will start in the evening on 24th December. Christmas Eve also includes Midnight Mass, a popular holiday tradition.
What is the significance of Christmas Eve?
The Christmas tree appears in all its glory on Christmas Eve. The Yule log, when fully lit in different countries, is often the most typical Christmas meal. Christmas Eve brings family, friends and relatives together and it is all about spending quality time with the family. During the festive season, people usually decorate their homes with colorful lights, Christmas trees and bells.
Christmas Eve: History
Depending on the time and date, it is also called the Christmas Vigil. It is considered as the end of the Advent season. Christmas Eve is celebrated before Christmas Day. It is associated with celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, but the actual date of birth of Jesus is disputed among various scholars.
A mid-winter festival was held during Roman times. It was a relaxing time with lots of parties and fun. It was common to give people small gifts, such as dolls for children and candles for adults. The festival culminates with the celebration of the winter solstice and falls on December 25 in the Roman calendar.
Decorating with greenery, primarily ivy and mistletoe, was common at festivals since pagan times.
what was midnight mass
You may have read about Midnight Mass above, so let us tell you that it was originally celebrated by the Pope at midnight before a small congregation in the chapel of Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in Rome. The public celebration of midnight is based on the ancient belief that Jesus was born at exactly twelve o'clock. Hence, there were melodious sounds of bells everywhere, twinkling lights everywhere and joyous hymns etc. are some of the imminent aspects of Midnight Mass.
Christmas tree
There is a tradition of decorating the Christmas tree on the festival of Christmas and it is decorated with various geometric shapes, stars, moon and flowers etc. It is also decorated with apples, cedar or pine cones, nuts and paper clippings etc. ,
Christmas Eve: Celebration
The whole family gets together on Christmas Eve. People gather together and celebrate the occasion. Christmas Day traditionally begins by celebrating Midnight Mass at midnight on Christmas Eve. Some churches hold candlelight services, usually held earlier in the evening.
Some tips to celebrate Christmas Eve:
Make an evening platter, which might include some cheese or a favorite snack, etc. Decorate the house along with Christmas cards and Christmas cookies.
Christmas is a time of gathering with friends and family, sharing gifts and preparing Christmas dishes etc. and it is also fun to indulge in it before Christmas.
merry christmas!
