Christmas Eve is the night before the start of Christmas . Because it is the proper name of a holiday, it must be written with a capital letter .
The concept is used to refer to the night of December 24 : it is the Christmas Eve , which begins at midnight on the 25th . Beyond cultural differences, it is common for families to get together on Christmas Eve and thus receive Christmas in the company of loved ones.
In many countries, Christmas Eve dinner is organized as a banquet , with recipes that are typical of the time. Then, at midnight (that is, when Christmas begins), a toast is made and gifts are exchanged. In some nations, Christmas Eve and Christmas are also celebrated with pyrotechnics and fireworks .
It is important to mention that, both on Christmas Eve and Christmas, religious elements are combined with pagan customs. Christmas, in fact, is one of the most important events for Christianity since it allows us to commemorate the birth of Jesus , which took place in Bethlehem .
However, religion is accompanied by rituals and practices that have nothing to do with faith and are even influenced by commerce. The representation of Santa Claus or Father Christmas as an old man with a beard who wears a red suit, travels in a flying sleigh powered by magical reindeer and brings gifts to children around the world is an example of this particularity, as is conifers decorated with lights, garlands and ornaments .
This duality, so to speak, presented by both Christmas Eve and Christmas and even Twelfth Night is one of the most striking phenomena, since it takes place in many parts of the world, where cultures are very different. First of all, it is important to note that they are not only celebrated by non-believers from Catholic countries, but also from others in which Catholicism is not even relevant.
And this entails a series of differences in the celebration that may not be very evident to those who have not experienced them firsthand. For example, while Christmas Eve for a non-believer can be celebrated in any way, without limits beyond their intentions and their creativity to organize it, believers must attend mass that same night, and do not allow themselves to be distracted by commercial issues. , since for them the reason for joy is the birth of the baby Jesus.
Food is one of the fundamental points of this festival. Usually the idea is to get together with the family to enjoy a series of delicious dishes that you don't usually prepare very often. Each group brings to the meeting what they know how to cook best, whether it is a starter, a main course or a dessert, and in this way everyone benefits from the best flavors of each house . Although the tradition of Western countries includes the consumption of animal products, vegans who decide to celebrate Christmas Eve prepare their banquets without eggs, milk or meat.
We must not forget Christmas music , which many people begin to listen to days, weeks and even before Christmas. On Christmas Eve, during dinner, it is normal for singing lovers to have their playlists ready with all-time hits performed by their favorite artists. In short, it is a celebration that seeks to bring people together with their loved ones to enjoy an unusual dinner.