Christmas Eve: When does the Celebration Really Begin?

One of the most, if not the most, stressful days during the Christmas season is Christmas Eve. There is last minute shopping to do and food to be prepared for the next day. The children have to be put to bed. Did you remember to get me a gift?

Last minute shopping to do? The retail stores are usually open late. Macy's in New York usually stays open until midnight. This tradition was started in 1867. Christmas Eve is the single biggest shopping day of the Christmas season.

Preparations for Christmas dinner usually begin on Christmas Eve. The main meat course, turkey or ham or both, is usually started. The cakes and pies are baked. The aroma in the house creates a memorable moment of the celebration to come.

Christmas Eve is an important day because in ancient times and now in modern times, the celebration of the holiday really begins the evening before the day. Christians attend a midnight mass or a church service which dramatizes or celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.

The family returns home after the service. The children put out cookies and milk for Santa and go to bed so Santa Claus can visit. The parents finish wrapping the gifts and bring out the big items that are not to be wrapped. They go to bed to be awakened by their children to start opening gifts.