It’s Christmas time! But before that, we got to celebrate Christmas Eve with equal fun and enthusiasm. Trust us, the excitement levels among observers and revellers around the world are quite high. Christmas Eve is evening or a day before the Christmas Day, i.e. December 24. People observe grand scale celebrations on Christmas Eve in commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ. It is also called as ‘Christmas Evening’ and ‘Christmas Vigil’ in parts of the world. As the festival of Christmas is almost here, we take a look at Christmas Eve – what it means, its origin, and the traditions that are followed on this day.

What Is the Story and Origin of Christmas Eve?

It is said that in the early days, people didn’t know the exact date of celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Earlier, people observed the day of Christmas on different dates such as January 6, March 21, March 25, April 18, April 19, May 20, May 28, and November 17. However, it was during the period of 273 AD, is where the date of Christmas, i.e. December 25, came into being, and hence the pre-celebrations a day before on December 24, popularly known as Christmas Eve. Christmas 2019 Dinner Recipes: Yummy Dishes That You Would Want To Make Again and Again!

What Is the History of Christmas Eve?

In olden days, people didn’t just celebrate a single day to mark the celebrations of Christmas day. To celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, people across the world would celebrate the festive occasion for over a week, starting from this day, i.e. Christmas Eve on December 24.

There were several traditions and activities which were organised by churches across the world, a day before Christmas Day. Also, it is said that the earlier Jews considered that their day begins from 6 in the evening and would end till 6 in the evening, the next day. Several practises, such as ringing church bells and singing mass prayers were beginning to be observed a day before Christmas. As time progressed, and as December 25 came into prominence, so did the pre-celebration on Christmas Eve. Christmas 2019 Recipes: 5 Healthy Cookie Recipes to Make Your X-Mas Sweet Yet Fit.

What Are the Traditions Followed on Christmas Eve?

Many traditions followed on the auspicious day of Christmas Eve. Churches across the world observe the traditional ‘Midnight Mass’, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. Young children’s choirs have become a new addition in the list of traditions followed on this day, in the last few years.

The nativity scenes, which are installed at homes, churches, and other are places, are quite a delight to watch. Figures of infant Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, animals, shepherds and angels are depicted in these nativity scenes, which portray the birth of Jesus Christ.

Christmas Vespers is also a part of celebratory traditions. A lot of Christians practise Eucharistic traditions on the Christmas Eve. The observance of Christmas Vigil is another tradition which is followed by many people across the world.

Not to forget, children writing chits under their pillow thinking about Santa Claus gifting them the same things which they had mentioned in their chit. This hasn’t aged well, and we all have been through it and loved it much, haven’t we?

Christmas is here, and so are the grandeur celebrations. The times are going to be exciting, and so are the magnificent festivities. As December 24, i.e. Christmas Eve, nears, we at LatestLY wish you and your family a very ‘Merry Christmas 2019’ and hope you all have a great time on Christmas Eve 2019.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 23, 2019 02:11 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).