Christmas 2010 - Celebrating Goodwill and Harmony on Christmas Eve

The night preceding Christmas Day, that is the night between 24th
and 25th of December is termed Christmas Eve. It is the occasion
marking the birth of Jesus Christ and is thus celebrated throughout
the world. Though this is an event predominantly significant to
Christianity but even in many secular cultures and countries it is
considered a national holiday. There are some customs related to the
celebration of Xmas Eve.Decorating a Christmas Tree
People decorate
Christmas trees on 24th December, in fact it is considered unlucky to
bring in the tree in the house before that day. Therefore, the evening
preceding Christmas Eve is also a time for decorating the Christmas
Tree. Though in some places the tree is set up or decorated some weeks
before Christmas on Thanksgiving Day.Midnight Mass
The midnight mass
celebration is conducted on Christmas Eve. In Christian churches of
the west. Christmas services held on evenings or late afternoons
preceding Christmas Eve are considered a beginning to the celebration
of the Christmas season. Churches all over the world celebrate
midnight mass. Though the nature of the church services during
midnight mass may vary slightly as per the various faiths within
Christianity. The catholic churches hold a candle service during mass
whereas protestant churches may conduct prayer services on the eve of
Christmas. Some churches even organize nativity plays. A nativity play
is a re-enactment or recreation of the story of Jesus Christ's
birth.Family Time
Christmas Eve is also known by the term 'Good Night'
in relation to the celebrations that go on during this evening right
upto midnight. People the world over consider this a time to be spent
with family and friends and celebrate with lots of music, dancing and
food.Christmas Meals
The meal on the Eve of Christmas varies in the
menu and in the traditions associated with it. Though there are some
basic items on the menu, but there are also different specialties
prepared on Christmas in different parts of the world. Generally
preparations of turkey, fish, chicken, salads and other varieties are
prepared. It also includes Christmas cake and desserts in the form of
Christmas puddings.Exchanging Gifts
In many countries gifts are
exchanged on Christmas, though this tradition differs in relation to
gift givers and the time of giving or opening gifts. In many countries
Santa Claus is believed to visit on the night of the Christmas to
stuff the stockings hung near the fireplace with presents. Some people
consider Baby Jesus as the one giving presents and that too weeks
before the Eve. Though in some countries like US and UK gifts are
opened on Christmas morning.These are some of the aspects of Christmas
Eve celebrations. No matter how varied the ways of celebrating, the
reason remains the same and it always will. And all these traditions
reinforce the reason everyone celebrates Christmas.