The Celebration of Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve is the day before Christmas. The celebration of Christmas begins on the evening of December 24. The importance of Christmas Eve in terms of popular customs is greater than that of the Day itself. On this day, the Christmas-tree is manifested in its glory; then often the most distinctive Christmas meal takes place. The Christmas Eve celebration is the favorite thing for the westerners. They decorate the Christmas tree or hold many other activities to celebrate the Christmas Eve.

The Christmas tree is the greatest joy for children. The tradition of deco- rating a Christmas tree include decorations that are made of pieces of straw strung, colored egg shells and pastry which were used to make birds, horses, squirrels, lambs, moons, suns, stars, flowers and other figurines. Christmas trees are also decorated with apples, fir or pine cones, nuts and paper cuttings.

Christmas Eve is the day for family reunions. Many Christians traditionally celebrate a Midnight mass at midnight on Christmas Eve, marking the beginning of Christmas Day. Other churches hold Candlelight service which is typically held earlier in the evening. It is also seen as the night when Santa Claus or his international variants, make their rounds giving gifts to good children.