Christmas Eve Christmas Eve is celebrated on December 24, which is the evening before Christmas Day, which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. All round the world every country has various customs and traditions which have evolved over time. This article provides facts and information about some of the traditions and customs which are adhered to on Christmas Eve in different countries.
Christmas Eve - Santa Claus! Christmas Eve is the time Western children look forward to! It is the night that Santa Claus and his sleigh, pulled by magical flying reindeer, fly around the world stopping at the homes of children to deliver gifts ready to be opened on Christmas Day. Children are taught that Santa will check whether they have been Naughty or Nice before leaving the gifts. Santa Claus and his reindeer and sleigh are often depicted flying across the night skies and landing on the rooftops of houses. Santa traditionally accesses the houses by sliding down the chimney to deliver his gifts.
Tracking Santa on Christmas Eve On Christmas Eve the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has become involved in tracking Santa on Christmas Eve! NORAD is a bi-national United States and Canadian organization which is responsible for missions of aerospace warning and aerospace control for North America. All very serious stuff, so how on earth did NORAD get involved in tracking Santa on Christmas Eve? The story started in 1955 when a a little girl phoned a telephone number, which had been incorrectly detailed in a newspaper, and called NORAD. Her call was answered by Colonel Harry Shoup. She told him that she wanted to know the whereabouts of Santa Claus and Col. Shoup told her that he would check the RADAR. The tradition of tracking Santa on Christmas Eve was born!
Christmas Eve around the World Some facts and information about the traditions of Christmas Eve around the world. Christmas Eve traditions and customs have changed as time passes, but many have been followed for years:
Many people attend Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.
On Christmas Eve (Noche Buena) many children from Latin American put their shoes out for the Christ child (El Nino Jesus, "the infant Jesus.") to fill with candy and small gifts
Tamales are a delicacy many Latin American countries on Christmas Eve. Tamales are a favorite festive dish which consist of a steam-cooked corn dough which are filled with meats, cheese and sliced chilli peppers
In Denmark, December 24 is referred to as Juleaften (meaning "Yule Eve"). Santa Claus is known as Julemanden (meaning "the Yule Man")
In Germany gift-giving (Bescherung) usually takes place on Xmas Eve when gifts are sometimes brought by the Weihnachtsmann (meaning "Christmas man"), who is a similar character to Santa Claus
Bacalao a la vizcaina is popular dish in Mexico on Xmas Eve. Bacalao a la vizcaina consists of dried salted cod served with potatoes, tomatoes, onions, olives and red peppers
A dish of dried cod with boiled potatoes is popular in Portugal on Xmas Eve
On Xmas Eve in Russia the meal is called “The "Holy Supper" and consists of twelve servings in honor of the 12 apostles
On Christmas Eve the 'Vigilia di Natale' is a traditional dinner where "feast of the seven fishes" is enjoyed by Italians
Italian Christmas Eve Dinner
Christmas Eve This article provides an overview of our Christmas Eve. Lots of free, facts and information for kids, children and teachers! Popular customs and traditions detailing the celebrations, food and gift giving on Christmas Eve around the world.
Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve
Xmas Eve
Traditions and customs on December 24
Christmas Eve - Santa Claus!
Tracking Santa on Christmas Eve
Xmas Eve around the World
Interesting Facts and Info about 24th December
For teachers, kids and children
Free, useful facts and interesting information
Xmas Eve
Christmas Eve
"Merry Christmas, have a happy and prosperous New Year!"
