Christmas Eve, the day before Christmas, is celebrated annually on December 24th worldwide. It marks the end of the Advent season which is the period of preparation for Christmas beginning on November 30. Although its roots are in the Christian tradition, Christmas Eve is a holiday enjoyed by people of all backgrounds now.
The History of Christmas Eve
Although generally associated with celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, or Jesus of Nazareth, many Christmas customs originally come from pre-Christian winter festivals. For example, the importance of candles and decorations made from evergreen bushes and trees symbolize everlasting light and life and come from pagan times. Even the custom of exchanging presents dates back to Roman times when people commonly gave each other small gifts during a mid-winter festival culminating on December 25th.
The Holiday Grows In Popularity
In fact, celebrating Christmas as a holiday didn’t become popular until the 19th century. It has grown in popularity since the 20th century thanks to a significant cultural icon: Santa Claus. Santa Claus is based on the 4th century Christian saint St. Nicholas. The Dutch introduced the legend of St. Nicholas to America in New Amsterdam (now New York City). They also brought with them the tradition of giving gifts and sweets to children on St. Nicholas’ feast day: December 6th. Cartoonist Thomas Nast began drawing depictions of Santa Claus for Harper’s Weekly in 1863. Nast based his drawings off Santa Claus’ description in the poem “’Twas the Night Before Christmas”. Nast’s drawings captured the world’s imagination and all subsequent depictions of Santa Claus have been based off Nast’s.
With COVID-19 hampering large family get-togethers this holiday season, here is a list of alternatives for celebrating Christmas Eve this year:
- Schedule a Movie Marathon
- Let Everyone Open One Present On Christmas Eve
- Play A Game Together Until Late At Night
- Wear Matching Christmas Pajamas
- Take A Family Photo
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do. ~ Ward Merdes
Info Source: NationalToday.com; TimeandDate.com; GoodHouseKeeping.com; and History.com
Photo Source: EbcPullman.org
