Christmas Eve | Kidadl
How to help families in Ukraine

FOR AGES 1 YEARS TO 99 YEARS

Christmas Eve

Arts & Crafts
Learn more
Reading & Writing
Learn more
Math & Logic
Learn more
Sports & Active
Learn more
Music & Dance
Learn more
Social & Community
Learn more
Mindful & Reflective
Learn more
Outdoor & Nature
Learn more
Read these Tokyo facts to learn all about the Japanese capital.

Where is Christmas Eve celebrated?

Christmas Eve is celebrated throughout the entire world, as it has become a worldwide Christian tradition and people from different countries celebrate it in different ways. In countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic, and the UAE, Christmas Eve is observed.

Who is Christmas Eve celebrated by?

Christians primarily celebrate Christmas Eve as it is of religious significance. However, with the wave of secularism in the world, many non-Christians also observe Christian traditions relating to Christmas.

When did Christmas Eve first start?

The earliest recorded date of celebrating Christmas on December 25 is believed to be in the third century, more specifically 336 AD, in Rome. However, celebrating Christmas Eve started in the 16th century. Now, this tradition is celebrated across the world with great enthusiasm.

Who started Christmas Eve?

Although there isn't one person to credit, it is believed during the 16th-century Christian celebrations were deeply influenced by the winter solstice. People began putting up a tree and decorating houses a day before Christmas, so December 24 was observed as Christmas Eve. It also has a Jewish root, as it is derived from the 'Book of Genesis' Story of Creation, where it is stated that the first day started in the evening and ended in the morning.

History And Timeline

On this holiday people visit church to attend midnight mass and wish merry Christmas to each other.

Celebrating Christmas on December 25 became a norm in the third century AD, during the reign of the Roman Emperor Constantine, but celebrating Christmas Eve began in the 16th century. It is believed Jesus Christ was born at midnight. Hence, the day before Christmas is when people anticipate his birth, at midnight.

1538

Reformed Germany

After the riots of 1521, the Christmas Eve of 1539 was a jolly time. Luther, who was supposed to be the first person to cut down a Christmas tree in the riots, said to his fellows, 'Oh, we poor men, that we should be so cold and indifferent to this great joy given us'.

1814

The Treaty Of Ghent

On Christmas Eve, Great Britain and the United States of America conducted a meeting that marked the end of a two-year war between the nations, reinstating relations between the two countries.

1914

The Christmas Truce

The Christmas Spirit brought a change in the soldiers' hearts, and in honor of the holiday season, the British, German, and French soldiers laid down their guns and shared cigarettes and whiskey. It was even reported that soldiers from opposing sides played a game of soccer during this time.

1951

Independence Of Libya

The end of World War II saw Italy's defeat, and the state of Libya rose. The British had devised a devious plan of dividing the country into French, British, and Italian colonies; however, on December 24, 1951, the UN decided to declare Libya an independent nation.

1968

Apollo 8

For the first time in history, humans orbited around the Moon. Astronauts, Frank Borman, James A. Lovell Jr., and William A. Anders, did 10 orbits and achieved this remarkable feat on Christmas Eve.

Traditions And Customs

There are a number of traditions and customs followed in the celebration of Christmas Eve. Midnight masses are popular Christmas traditions and are observed throughout the world where Christmas Eve is celebrated, as Jesus' birth is believed to have occurred at midnight.

The Christmas tree is another thing that should be ready before midnight, as children keep milk and cookies for Santa Claus underneath the tree, as a thanks for their gifts. People celebrate this year with campfires, reciting folklore, feasting, drinking, and dancing with family and friends. People also often wear Christmas sweaters and take family photos.

Ways To Celebrate Christmas Eve

Attending midnight mass is the most common of the Christmas traditions. People often spend this day decorating the Christmas tree and baking cookies. Christmas Eve is also the perfect time to watch loads of Christmas movies and then go out with your family and friends to sing Christmas carols. Feast of the seven fishes is a unique German delicacy prepared on Christmas Eve, where people eat Salmon along with Kartoffelpuffer (potato cake) and Sauerkraut.

Facts And Stats

Christmas Eve is the time for people to exchange gifts, play games, and have fun with family and friends.

Christmas Eve is celebrated across the world on the evening of December 24.

Christmas Eve is the time when parents and grandparents celebrate the tradition of gift-giving.

FAQs About Christmas Eve

What's the purpose of Christmas Eve?

The purpose of Christmas Eve is to celebrate the birth of baby Jesus, the central figure in Christianity, which is why many people go to church on Christmas Eve, for midnight mass. To many, it is a fun day to start the Christmas season with family and friends, singing a Christmas carol, baking cookies, and decorating the house.

When did Christmas Eve start?

Even though Christmas was celebrated on December 25 from the third century AD, Christmas Eve celebrations began in the early 16th century.

What time does Christmas Eve start?

Since Jesus is believed to have been to be born at midnight, Christmas begins on December 24, at midnight.

Why do we celebrate Christmas Eve?

Christmas Eve is the day or evening before Christmas, marking the birth of Jesus Christ at midnight.

What happens on Christmas Eve?

People exchange gifts, decorate Christmas trees, and attend midnight mass in honor of Jesus Christ's birth.

When was the last time Christmas Eve was on Sunday?

In 2017, Christmas Eve was on a Sunday.

What does Santa do on Christmas Eve?

Santa Claus fills his sleigh with toys and wanders around the world, stopping at every child's house slides down the chimney, and places their gifts under the Christmas tree.

Is Christmas Eve a working day?

Christmas Eve is never part of the federal holiday list. If it falls on a weekday, it is a working day, but if it is on the weekend, it is a holiday.

What is the significance of Christmas Eve?

Christmas Eve is the day before Christmas that marks the birth of Jesus Christ at midnight.

Does everyone celebrate Christmas Eve?

Every Christian celebrates Christmas Eve as it is of religious significance to them with their traditions, but a lot of non-Christians celebrate Christmas Eve as it has become a tradition around the world, regardless of religion.

 

Hashtags To Use On Social Media

#christmasmood
#christmaseve
#christmasjoy
#santaclaus
#christmas

When Is This Day Celebrated

Date Day
December 24, 2020 Thursday
December 24, 2021 Friday
December 24, 2022 Saturday
December 24, 2023 Sunday
December 24, 2024 Tuesday

Read The Disclaimer

Was this article helpful?