This article does not cite any references or sources. (December 2007) Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed.

Julaftonen (The Christmas Eve), a watercolor painted 1904-05 by Carl Larsson.

Christmas Eve, December 24, is the day before Christmas Day, the celebrated birthday of Jesus. Image File history File links Question_book-3. ... The Nativity by Petrus Christus, c. ... Trans-Siberian Orchestra (often abbreviated as TSO) is a rock orchestra founded by Paul ONeill, Robert Kinkel, and Jon Oliva in 1996. ... Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24 is an instrumental medley of Carol of the Bells and God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen first released on the Savatage album Dead Winter Dead in 1995. ... Avenue Q is a Tony award-winning musical that was conceived by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx, who wrote the music and lyrics. ... Image File history File links Titel: Julaftonen Title: The Christmas Eve Konstnär / artist: Carl Larsson (1853-1919) Akvarell / watercolor painting Ã…r / year: 1904-1905 File links The following pages link to this file: Carl Larsson Christmas Eve Watercolor painting ... Image File history File links Titel: Julaftonen Title: The Christmas Eve Konstnär / artist: Carl Larsson (1853-1919) Akvarell / watercolor painting Ã…r / year: 1904-1905 File links The following pages link to this file: Carl Larsson Christmas Eve Watercolor painting ... Watercolor (watercolour in the UK and aquarelle in France) designates a painting method, the medium, or the resulting artwork, in which the paints are made of pigments suspended in a water soluble vehicle. ... Carl Larsson (May 28, 1853 – January 22, 1919) was a Swedish painter and interior designer. ... is the 358th day of the year (359th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Joseph and Mary with baby Jesus, at the first Christmas Christmas (literally, the Mass of Christ) is a holiday in the Christian calendar, usually observed on December 25, which celebrates the birth of Jesus. ... This article is about Jesus of Nazareth. ...

Religious observance

The religious observance of the Nativity of Jesus was originally celebrated on January 6. Later, it was moved to December 25 with January 6 commemorating either the arrival of the Magi (in the West) or the Baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan (in the East). Only the Armenian Apostolic Church and the Armenian Catholic Church continue to celebrate the Nativity on January 6, and thus have no Christmas Eve celebrations on December 24. For other uses, see Magi (disambiguation). ... This article is about the Christian religious act of Baptism. ... This article is about the Jordan River in western Asia. ... Official standard of Karekin II Catholicos of Armenia The Armenian Apostolic Church (Armenian: Հայ Առաքելական Եկեղեցի, Hay Arakelagan Yegeghetzi), sometimes called the Armenian Orthodox Church or the Gregorian Church, is the worlds oldest national church[1] [2] and one of the most ancient Christian communities [3]. // Baptism of Tiridates III. The earliest... After the Armenian Apostolic Church, along with the rest of Oriental Orthodoxy, formally broke off communion from the Chalcedonian churches, numerous Armenian bishops made attempts to restore communion with the Catholic Church (Rome). ...

Western Churches

Traditional Midnight Mass with Shepherds in Provence.

In the Western Christian Churches, the Christmas season liturgically begins on Christmas Eve, and is preceded by a four-week fast called Advent. The Mass of the Vigil is said in the late afternoon or early evening hours of December 24. The Christmastide season continues through until the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord on the Sunday following the Solemnity of the Epiphany. The Christmas Eve (1904-05), watercolor painting by the Swedish painter Carl Larsson (1853-1919) Christmas Eve, December 24, the day before Christmas Day, is treated to a greater or a lesser extent in most Christian societies as part of the Christmas festivities. ... Coat of arms of Provence Provence (Provençal Occitan: Provença in classical norm or Prouvènço in Mistralian norm) was a Roman province and now is a region of southeastern France on the Mediterranean Sea adjacent to Italy. ... Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations · Other religions Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas · Luther Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Archbishop of Canterbury · Catholic Pope Coptic Pope · Ecumenical Patriarch Christianity Portal This box:      Western Christianity... For other uses, see Christmas (disambiguation). ... The month of October from a liturgical calendar for Abbotsbury Abbey. ... μ This article is about the Christian season. ... For other uses, see Mass (disambiguation). ... Vigil, tacuinum sanitatis casanatensis (XIV century) This article is about the period of sleeplessness. ... is the 358th day of the year (359th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Christmastide (also Christmas or the Christmas season) is one of the seasons of the liturgical year of some Christian churches. ... The Forum for European-Australian Science and Technology Cooperation (FEAST) is a non-government organisation aimed at highlighting and developing collaborative research activities between Europe (European countries and the European Union) and Australia. ... The Baptism of the Lord is the name of a feast day observed in the Roman Catholic Church and in the Anglican (Episcopalian) Church. ... A Solemnity of the Roman Catholic Church observes an event in the life of Jesus, Mary, and the saints, beginning on the evening prior to actual date. ... The Wise Men (Magi) adoring the infant Jesus. ...

Many Roman Catholics and Anglicans traditionally celebrate a midnight Mass (Eucharist) which begins sometime before midnight on Christmas Day; this ceremony, which is held in churches throughout the world, marks the beginning of Christmas Day. A popular joke is to ask what time Midnight Mass starts, but in recent years some churches have scheduled their "Midnight" Mass as early as 7 p.m. In Spanish-speaking areas, the Midnight Mass is sometimes referred to as Misa del Gallo ("Rooster's Mass"). In the Philippines, this custom lasts for nine days, starting on December 16 and continuing daily up to December 24, during which Filipinos attend dawn masses, usually starting at around 4:00-5:00 a.m. The Roman Catholic Church, most often spoken of simply as the Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church, with over one billion members. ... The term Anglican describes those people and churches following the religious traditions of the Church of England, especially following the Reformation. ... For other uses of Mass, see Mass (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Eucharist (disambiguation). ... Misa del Gallo (Spanish for Roosters Mass) is a Christmas custom that is practiced in the Philippines. ...

Lutheran parishes often carry on Christmas Eve traditions typical for Germany and Scandinavia. "Krippenspiele" (nativity plays), special festive music for organ, vocal and brass choirs and candlelight services make Christmas Eve one of the highlights in the Lutheran Church calendar. Christmas Vespers are popular in the early evening, and midnight services are also widespread in regions which are predominately Lutheran. The old Lutheran tradition of a Christmas Vigil in the early morning hours of the 25th of December (Christmette) can still be found in some regions of Germany. In eastern and middle Germany many congregations still continue the tradition of "Quempas singing": separate groups dispersed in various parts of the church sing verses of the song "He whom Shepherds once came Praising" (Quem pastores) responsively. The Lutheran movement is a group of denominations of Protestant Christianity by the original definition. ... Vespers is the evening prayer service in the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox liturgies of the canonical hours. ...

Other churches also hold a candlelight service, which is also typically held earlier in the evening; these often feature dramatizations of the Nativity. Similar worship services are held in many Protestant churches on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. The Nativity by Petrus Christus, c. ... In the protestant denominations of Christianity, a service of worship is a meeting whose primary purpose is the worship of God. ... Protestantism encompasses the forms of Christian faith and practice that originated with the doctrines of the Reformation. ...

In the early evening, many Methodists come to their church to celebrate Holy Communion with their families. The mood is very solemn, and often the only visible light is the Advent Wreath, and the candles upon the Lord's Table. The Methodist movement is a group of denominations of Protestant Christianity. ... For other uses, see Eucharist (disambiguation). ... Advent Wreath lit for the Second Sunday of Advent An advent wreath is a ring or set of four candles, usually made with evergreen cuttings, that is used for household devotion by Christians during the season of Advent. ...

The Nine Lessons and Carols broadcast annually from King's College, Cambridge on Christmas Eve has established itself as one of the signs that Christmas has begun in the United Kingdom. It is broadcast to many parts of the world via the BBC World Service. The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols is a format of Christian worship service celebrating the birth of Jesus and traditionally followed at Christmas. ... For other uses, see Kings College. ... The BBC World Service is one of the most widely recognised international broadcasters, transmitting in 33 languages to many parts of the world through multiple technologies. ...

Eastern Churches

Traditional Orthodox icon of the Nativity from Romania.

A number of Eastern Christian churches follow the traditional Julian Calendar, which is currently 13 days behind the modern Gregorian Calendar; thus Christmas Day (December 25) on the Julian Calendar falls on January 7 of the Gregorian Calendar. Some Orthodox Churches have adopted a Revised Julian Calendar, which uses the Gregorian Calendar for the fixed feasts of the liturgical year. Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1133x1582, 511 KB) Summary Modern Hand painted Romanian icon of the Nativity Licensing File links The following pages link to this file: Nativity of Jesus Romanian icons User:Pschemp/Gallery ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1133x1582, 511 KB) Summary Modern Hand painted Romanian icon of the Nativity Licensing File links The following pages link to this file: Nativity of Jesus Romanian icons User:Pschemp/Gallery ... Look up icon in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Eastern Christianity refers collectively to the Christian traditions which developed in Greece, the Near East and Eastern Europe. ... The Julian calendar was a reform of the Roman calendar which was introduced by Julius Caesar in 46 BC and came into force in 45 BC (709 ab urbe condita). ... For the calendar of religious holidays and periods, see liturgical year. ... The Revised Julian calendar is a calendar that was considered for adoption by the Eastern Orthodox churches at a synod in Istanbul in May 1923. ... The Eastern Orthodox liturgical calendar describes and dictates the rhythm of the life of the Eastern Orthodox Church. ... The month of October from a liturgical calendar for Abbotsbury Abbey. ...

In the Eastern Orthodox Church Christmas is called "The Nativity, According to the Flesh, of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ," and is considered one of the Great Feasts of the church year. It ranks fourth in importance among the Great Feasts, after Pascha (Easter), Pentecost and Theophany (Epiphany). The feast is preceded by a forty-day fast called the Nativity Fast. Christmas Eve is referred to as the "Eve of the Nativity", and is observed as a strict fast day, called Paramony (Greek: παραμονή, Slavonic: navechérie, "preparation", or "vigil"). Those faithful who are physically able to do so, eat no solid food on this day until the first star is seen in the evening sky (or at the very least, until after the Vesperal Divine Liturgy that day). If Paramony falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the day is not observed as a strict fast, but a less restricted fasting meal at which wine and oil are allowed (but no meat, fish or dairy products) is served after the Divine Liturgy that morning. Orthodox icon of Pentecost. ... // Great Feasts of the Orthodox Church Easter/Pascha The feast of the Resurrection of Jesus, called Easter or Pascha, is the greatest of the feasts of the Eastern Orthodox Church. ... Easter (also called Pascha) is generally accounted the most important holiday of the Christian year, observed March or April each year to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead (after his death by crucifixion; see Good Friday), which Christians believe happened at about this time of year, almost two... … The Descent of the Holy Spirit in a 15th century illuminated manuscript. ... Adoration of the Magi by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, 17th century (Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo, Ohio). ... The Nativity Fast, practiced by the Eastern Orthodox Church, is believed to enable participants to draw closer to God by denying the body of worldly pleasure in preparation for celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, which is held on December 25th (Julian Calendar). ... Fast Day is an obsolete American holiday, A day of public fasting and prayer, which was traditionally observed in the New England states. ... Church Slavonic may refer to: Old Church Slavonic language Church Slavonic language This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... Vespers is the evening prayer service in the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox liturgies of the canonical hours. ... The Divine Liturgy is the common term for the Eucharistic service of the Byzantine tradition of Christian liturgy. ... The Divine Liturgy is the common term for the Eucharistic service of the Byzantine tradition of Christian liturgy. ...

On this day the Royal Hours are celebrated in the morning. Some of the hymns are similar to those of Theophany and Good Friday, thus tying the symbolism of Jesus' Nativity to his earthly ministry and his death on the Cross. The Royal Hours are followed by the Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil which combines Vespers with the Divine Liturgy. During the Vespers, eight Old Testament lections ("parables") which prefigure or prophesy the Incarnation of Christ are read, and special antiphons are chanted. If the Feast of the Nativity falls on a Sunday or Monday, the Royal Hours are chanted on the previous Friday (which is always a fast day), and on the Paramony the Vesperal Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom is celebrated in the morning. The Royal Hours are a particularly solemn celebration of the Little Hours in the Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches. ... Good Friday, also called Holy Friday or Great Friday, is the Friday preceding Easter Sunday. ... For the Nativity of Jesus, see Nativity of Jesus. ... A diagram of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre based on a german documentary, claimed to be the site of Calvary and the Tomb of Jesus. ... Vespers is the evening prayer service in the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox liturgies of the canonical hours. ... The Divine Liturgy is the common term for the Eucharistic service of the Byzantine tradition of Christian liturgy. ... Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations · Other religions Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas · Luther Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Archbishop of Canterbury · Catholic Pope Coptic Pope · Ecumenical Patriarch Christianity Portal This box:      Note: Judaism... A lection is a reading, in this context, from Scripture. ... Look up incarnation, incarnate in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... This article is about the musical term. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Divine Liturgy. ...

The All-Night Vigil on the night of December 24 consists of Great Compline, Matins and the First Hour. One of the highlights of Great Compline is the exultant chanting of "God is with us!" interspersed between selected verses from the prophesy of Isaiah 8:9-18, foretelling the triumph of the Kingdom of God, and 9:2-7, foretelling the birth of the Messiah ("For unto us a child is born...and he shall be called...the Mighty God...."). The Orthodox do not normally serve a Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve; rather, the Divine Liturgy for the Nativity of Christ is celebrated the next morning. However, in those monasteries which continue to celebrate the All-Night Vigil in its long form—where it literally lasts throughout the night—the conclusion of the Vigil at dawn on Christmas morning will often lead directly into the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. When the Vigil is separate from the Divine Liturgy, the Lenten fast continues even after the Vigil, until the end of the Liturgy the next morning. In the afternoon of Christmas Day, Great Vespers is celebrated. During the service a special prokeimenon, called the "Great Prokeimenon" is chanted by the deacon and choir. The All-Night Vigil (Russian: ), Opus 37, is an a cappella choral composition by Sergei Rachmaninoff, written and premiered in 1915. ... For the Anglican service of Mattins see Morning Prayer Matins is the early morning prayer service in the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox liturgies of the canonical hours. ... For prophecy in the context of revealed religions see Prophet. ... Isaiah the Prophet in Hebrew Scriptures was depicted on the Sistine Chapel ceiling by Michelangelo. ... Kingdom of Heaven redirects here. ... In Judaism, the Messiah (Hebrew: , Standard  Tiberian ; Aramaic: , ; Arabic: , ; the Anointed One) at first meant any person who was anointed with oil on rising to a certain position among the ancient Israelites, at first that of High priest, later that of King and also that of a prophet. ... The Christmas Eve (1904-05), watercolor painting by the Swedish painter Carl Larsson (1853-1919) Christmas Eve, December 24, the day before Christmas Day, is treated to a greater or a lesser extent in most Christian societies as part of the Christmas festivities. ... This article concerns the buildings occupied by monastics. ... Vespers is the evening prayer service in the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox liturgies of the canonical hours. ... In the liturgical practice of the Orthodox Church, a Prokeimenon (Greek Προκειμενον, plural prokeimena; sometimes prokimenon/prokimena) is a psalm or canticle refrain sung responsorially at certain specified points of the Divine Liturgy or the Divine Office, usually to introduce a scripture reading. ... For other uses, see Deacon (disambiguation). ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ...

Meals

Traditional Polish Christmas Eve meal.

Large meals are common, often with turkey or ham as the main item. In traditional Orthodox and Catholic countries, Christmas Eve continues to be observed as a fast day, and the meal, though fasting has developed a rich symbolism. The Christmas Eve supper is usually held in candle light, in the evening after the first star appears in the sky. The star symbolizes the birth of Jesus in Christian tradition. Sometimes the meal takes place outside under the starts. Hay may be spread on the floor to recreate the experience of that first Christmas Eve in Bethlehem. Foods are often chosen for their symbolic meaning. This article is about the domesticated animal raised for food. ... This article is about the cut of meat. ... Eastern Orthodoxy (also called Greek Orthodoxy and Russian Orthodoxy) is a Christian tradition which represents the majority of Eastern Christianity. ... Fast Day is an obsolete American holiday, A day of public fasting and prayer, which was traditionally observed in the New England states. ...

In Czech Republic and Slovakia, the meal features a fish soup and breaded roasted carp with potato salad. Italian Catholics eat seven types of seafood. In some parts of Eastern Europe such as Poland and Lithuania, a traditional meatless 12-dishes Christmas Eve Supper is served before opening gifts. Cubans, Dominicans, and Puerto Ricans serve roast pig (pernil). This article is about hot fish soup as prepared in Pannonian region. ... {{Otheruses Carp: Committee supporting Petanacs reconstruction in Huehuetenago, Guatemala} see http://carp. ... This article is about the salad. ... There are very few or no other articles that link to this one. ... Statistical regions of Europe as delineated by the United Nations (UN definition of Eastern Europe marked red):  Northern Europe  Western Europe  Eastern Europe  Southern Europe Pre-1989 division between the West (grey) and Eastern Bloc (orange) superimposed on current borders: Russia (dark orange), other countries formerly part of the USSR... The traditional Christmas Eve supper in Poland consists of twelve dishes representing the twelve months of the year. ... Puerto Rican can refer to anybody who was born in or whose ancestors are from Puerto Rico. ...

A symbolic Christmas Eve meal used to be a common Eastern Orthodox tradition in the Russian Empire, but today it has become virtually extinct in Russia as a result of the official atheism of the former Soviet Union; though it continues to be popular in Ukraine. Eastern Orthodoxy (also called Greek Orthodoxy and Russian Orthodoxy) is a Christian tradition which represents the majority of Eastern Christianity. ... The subject of this article was previously also known as Russia. ... Atheist redirects here. ...

In France and some other French-speaking areas, a long family dinner, called a réveillon, is held on Christmas Eve. The name of this dinner is based on the word réveil (meaning "waking"), because participation involves staying awake until midnight and beyond. The food consumed at réveillons is generally of an exceptional or luxurious nature. For instance, appetizers may include lobster, oysters, escargots or foie gras, etc. One traditional dish is turkey with chestnuts. Réveillons in Québec will often include some variety of tourtière. Dessert may consist of a bûche de Noël. In Provence, the tradition of the 13 desserts is followed: 13 desserts are served, almost invariably including: pompe à l'huile (a flavoured bread), dates, etc. Quality wine is usually consumed a such dinners, often with champagne or similar sparkling wines as a conclusion. This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... In France and some other French-speaking countries, a réveillon is a long dinner, and possibly party, held on the evenings preceding Christmas Day and New Years Day. ... Crudités variés, a typical hors d’œuvre in French cuisine Hors d’œuvre in Bosnian cuisine Hors d’œuvre, (IPA: French but often in English as ; French plural: hors d’œuvre, without an extra s; English plural often hors d’œuvres), also known as appetizer(s), refer to... Subfamilies and Genera Neophoberinae Acanthacaris Thymopinae Nephropsis Nephropides Thymops Thymopsis Nephropinae Homarus Nephrops Homarinus Metanephrops Eunephrops Thymopides Clawed lobsters comprise a family (Nephropidae, sometimes also Homaridae) of large marine crustaceans. ... For other uses, see Oyster (disambiguation). ... Escargots, in French cuisine, is a dish of cooked land snails, usually served as an appetizer. ... Pâté de foie gras redirects here. ... This article is about the domesticated animal raised for food. ... Species Castanea alnifolia - Bush Chinkapin* Castanea crenata - Japanese Chestnut Castanea dentata - American Chestnut Castanea henryi - Henrys Chestnut Castanea mollissima - Chinese Chestnut Castanea ozarkensis - Ozark Chinkapin Castanea pumila - Allegheny Chinkapin Castanea sativa - Sweet Chestnut Castanea seguinii - Seguins Chestnut * treated as a synonym of by many authors Chestnut is a... During the 1960s, a terrorist group known as the Front de libération du Québec (FLQ) launched a decade of bombings, robberies and attacks on government offices. ... A tourtière is a meat pie originating from Quebec, usually made with ground pork and/or veal, or beef. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Coat of arms of Provence Provence (Provençal Occitan: Provença in classical norm or Prouvènço in Mistralian norm) was a Roman province and now is a region of southeastern France on the Mediterranean Sea adjacent to Italy. ... Binomial name Phoenix dactylifera L. The Date Palm Phoenix dactylifera is a palm, extensively cultivated for its edible fruit. ... This article is about Champagne, the alcoholic beverage. ... A glass of sparkling wine A Sparkling wine cork It has been suggested that Spumante, Frizzante, Sekt and Cremant be merged into this article or section. ...

In Germany traditions vary from region to region. Carp is eaten in many parts of the country. Potato salad with frankfurter or wiener sausages is popular in some families. Another simple meal which some families favour, especially in regions where Christmas Eve still has the character of a fast day, is vegetable or pea soup. In some regions, especially in Schleswig-Holstein where Danish influence is noticeable, a roasted duck or goose filled with plums, apples and raisins is family tradition. In other regions, especially in Mecklenburg and Pomerania, many families prefer kale with boiled potatoes, special sausages and ham. Many families have developed new traditions for themselves and eat such meals as meat fondue or raclette. In almost all families in all parts of Germany you find a wide variety of Christmas cookies baked according to recipes typical for the family and the region. {{Otheruses Carp: Committee supporting Petanacs reconstruction in Huehuetenago, Guatemala} see http://carp. ... This article is about the salad. ... Some of the many varieties of Sausages A sausage consists of ground meat and other animal parts, herbs and spices, and possibly other ingredients, generally packed in a casing (traditionally the intestines of the animal), and preserved in some way. ... Fast Day is an obsolete American holiday, A day of public fasting and prayer, which was traditionally observed in the New England states. ... For other uses, see Soup (disambiguation). ... Schleswig-Holstein is the northernmost of the 16 Bundesländer in Germany. ... Subfamilies Dendrocygninae Oxyurinae Anatinae Aythyinae Merginae Duck is the common name for a number of species in the Anatidae family of birds. ... Geese redirects here. ... Plum is also a nickname for British humorist P. G. Wodehouse. ... For other uses, see Apple (disambiguation). ... Alternate uses: Raisin (disambiguation) A Raisin is a sun-dried or artificially dried grape, used in cooking and baking. ... The name Mecklenburg derives from a castle named Mikilenburg (Old German: big castle), located between the cities of Schwerin and Wismar. ... Pommern redirects here. ... Kale or Borecole is a form of cabbage (Brassica oleracea Acephala Group), green in color, in which the central leaves do not form a head. ... This article is about the cut of meat. ... Fondue refers to several French Swiss communal dishes shared at the table in an earthenware pot (caquelon) over a small burner (rechaud). The term fondue comes from the French fondre (to melt), referring to the fact that the contents of the pot are kept in a liquid state so that... Country of origin Switzerland, France Region, town Valais, Savoie, Franche-Comté, Brittany Source of milk Cows Pasteurized No Texture uncooked, semi-firm, pressed Aging time 3-6 months Certification AOC 2003 Raclette is both a type of cheese and a fondue-like dish featuring the cheese. ... This article contains information that has not been verified. ...

Gift giving

It is also seen as the night when Santa Claus or his international variants make their rounds giving gifts to good children. In the Czech Republic and Hungary, where St. Nicholas (sveti Mikuláš) gives his sweet gifts on December 6th, the Christmas gift-giver is the Child Jesus (Ježíšek in Czech and Jézuska in Hungarian), also known to most as Christkind. In Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Norway, Iceland, Argentina, Poland, Portugal and Quebec, Christmas presents are opened mostly on the evening of the 24^th, while in Italy, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, English Canada, South Africa, and Australia mostly on the morning of Christmas Day. In Finland Joulupukki personally meets children and gives presents in the evening of Christmas Eve. In most parts of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland Christmas presents are opened in the evening of December 24th ('Bescherung') and are brought by Christkind or Christchild, who leaves the gifts but is never seen doing so. In Spain gifts are traditionally opened on the morning of January 6, Epiphany day ("Día de Los Tres Reyes Magos"), though in some other countries, like Argentina and Uruguay people received presents both around Christmas and on the morning of Epiphany day; there are also some countries, like the rest of Latin America, where people stay awake until midnight, when they open the presents. A typical depiction of Santa Claus. ... For other uses, see Nicholas. ... Jacopo Bellinis Madonna and Child Blessing depicts the infant Jesus in the act of blessing the viewer The Child Jesus, or Christ Child is Jesus as an infant up to the age of twelve, when he was considered to have become adult, following both the Jewish custom of his... Ježíšek (=the Child Jesus) is a Christmas gift-giving figure used in the Czech Republic. ... The Christkind (Christ Child) is the traditional Christmas giftbringer in Southern Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Liechtenstein. ... This article is about the Canadian province. ... English Canada is a term used to describe one of the following: English Canadians, a term usually meaning English-speaking or anglophone Canadians, the official language majority in the country except New-Brunswick and Quebec as well. ... Joulupukki is the Finnish name for Santa Claus or Father Christmas. ... The Christkind (Christ Child) is the traditional Christmas giftbringer in Southern Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Liechtenstein. ... is the 6th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... This article is about the Christian feast. ... Adoration of the Magi by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, 17th century (Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo, Ohio). ... Latin America consists of the countries of South America and some of North America (including Central America and some the islands of the Caribbean) whose inhabitants mostly speak Romance languages, although Native American languages are also spoken. ...

Regional traditions

Main article: Christmas worldwide

Christmas around the world redirects here. ...

South America

In South America Christmas Eve, known as La Noche Buena (English - The Good Night), is celebrated by staying up until midnight. At midnight, gifts and presents are opened. Fireworks are also shot off. Fireworks are the main focus of the celebration. It is not a silent night, with families coming together exchanging presents and going to church. After Christmas the children often play with their new presents or go to church with their parents and grandparents. South America South America is a continent crossed by the equator, with most of its area in the Southern Hemisphere. ... For other uses, see Midnight (disambiguation) Midnight, literally the middle of the night, is a time arbitrarily designated to determine the end of a day and the beginning of the next in some, mainly Western, cultures. ...

Spain

As in South America, Christmas Eve is also known as Nochebuena in Spain. There are two important traditions: attending Christmas Mass and enjoying a meal with friends and family. South America South America is a continent crossed by the equator, with most of its area in the Southern Hemisphere. ... For other uses, see Christmas (disambiguation). ...

There is a wide variety of typical foods one might find on plates across Spain on this particular night, and each region has its own distinct specialties. It is particularly common, however, to start the meal with a seafood dish such as prawns or salmon, followed by a bowl of hot, homemade soup. The main meal will commonly consist of roast lamb, or seafood, such as cod or shellfish. For dessert, there is quite a spread of delicacies, among them are turrón, a dessert made of honey, egg and almonds that is Arabic in origin. Local food (also regional food) is a principle of sustainability relying on consumption of food products that are locally grown. ... An unweaned lamb Legs of lamb in a supermarket cabinet The terms lamb, hoggett or mutton are culinary names for the meat of a domestic sheep. ... Torró dAlacant Turrón (Spanish), torró (Catalan), or torrone (Italian) is a nougat confection, typically made of honey, sugar, and egg white, coated in crushed, toasted almonds, and usually shaped into either a rectangular tablet or a round cake. ...

Iceland and Norway

It is traditional in Finland to bring candles to the graves of loved ones on Christmas Eve and All Saints Day.

In Iceland and Norway, Yule starts on the night of December 24th, at 6:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. respectively. Church bells ring at that time and people either sit down for holiday dinner at home or with closest family. After that they open gifts and spend the evening together. This article is about the Christian holiday. ... For other uses, see Yule (disambiguation) and Jul (disambiguation). ... Church bell from Saleby, Västergötland, Sweden containing an inscription from 1228 in the Runic alphabet A church bell is a bell which is rung in a (especially Christian) church either to signify the hour or the time for worshippers to go to church, perhaps to attend a wedding...

Slavic countries

Polish Oplatki (Christmas Wafer) in a basket.

In many cultures, a festive dinner is traditionally served for the family and close friends in attendance, when the first star (usually Sirius) arrives on the sky. In Slavic countries, it is known as Wygilia (Eve), and being invited to attend a Wygilia dinner with a family is considered a high honour. Unless attendance is impossible or otherwise too impractical, or if the person has made other plans already, turning down such an invitation, or not showing up can be considered extremely rude. Families in some Slavic countries leave one extra place setting for lost visitor (alluding to St. Mary and St. Joseph looking for shelter). Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1182x1066, 483 KB) OpÅ‚atek - Christmas Wafer on a basket File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Wafer (cooking) OpÅ‚atek ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1182x1066, 483 KB) OpÅ‚atek - Christmas Wafer on a basket File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Wafer (cooking) OpÅ‚atek ... Opłatki is an Eastern European Christmas tradition celebrated in Polish, Slovak and Lithuanian families during Wigilia (Christmas Eve Vigil). ... This article is about the brightest star in the night sky of Earth. ...

Before eating everyone exchanges Christmas greetings with each other by giving a piece of Christmas wafer (Oplatki), usually stamped with a religious image, such as the Nativity scene. There is a tradition of having at least 12 (or its multiple) Lenten (meatless) dishes. One has to try every single dish to avoid bad luck next year. Dishes are usually fish based, with carp being very important e.g., in Poland. Christmas wafer (Polish: , plural ; Lithuanian: ) is an Eastern European Roman Catholic Christmas tradition celebrated in Polish, Slovak, Lithuanian and Italian families during Wigilia (Christmas Eve Vigil). ... A traditional nativity scene from Naples, Italy A nativity scene, also called a crib or crèche (meaning crib or manger in French) generally refers to any depiction of the birth or birthplace of Jesus. ...

After the dinner children unpack presents from under the Christmas Tree. Later people attend Midnight Mass to solemnly celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The Christmas Eve (1904-05), watercolor painting by the Swedish painter Carl Larsson (1853-1919) Christmas Eve, December 24, the day before Christmas Day, is treated to a greater or a lesser extent in most Christian societies as part of the Christmas festivities. ...

North America

Most families circulate wrapped gifts in the two weeks before Christmas Day. In North America, gifts are most commonly opened on Christmas morning; however, families may also choose to open all or some of their presents on Christmas Eve, depending on evolving family traditions, logistics, and the age of the children involved. E.g., minor children might open their presents on Christmas Eve and the adults their presents on Christmas morning, or everyone might open their gifts on Christmas morning. In Quebec and among many francophone families living in other provinces, the Réveillon is held on Christmas Eve with traditional food such as tourtière, attendance at church, and the opening of gifts. North American redirects here. ... This article is about the Canadian province. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... In France and some other French-speaking countries, a réveillon is a long dinner, and possibly party, held on the evenings preceding Christmas Day and New Years Day. ...

It is also common tradition throughout North America for children to leave milk and cookies for Santa the night before on a plate before the fireplace.

Philippines

Further information: Christmas in the Philippines

In the Philippines, the predominantly Roman Catholic Christian country in Asia, Christmas Eve is usually celebrated by attending the "Rooster's Mass or Misa del Gallo which is celebrated hours before the clock ticks 12 A.M. signifying the arrival of Christmas Day. After attending church, Filipino families usually hold a feast named Noche Buena to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. A great variety of food is eaten during this feast, an event that usually is done with great preparation. Foods being prepared include the famous lechón, quezo de bola, jamón (Christmas ham), roast chicken (turkey did not gain much popularity in the Philippines), barbecued meats, pancit, among many others. Despite the fact that some families are poor, they still find a way to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ through eating, family time and merry-making. The Philippines, a predominantly Catholic country, has earned the distinction of celebrating the worlds longest Christmas season. ... The Roman Catholic Church, most often spoken of simply as the Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church, with over one billion members. ... For other uses, see Asia (disambiguation). ... Misa del Gallo (Spanish for Roosters Mass) is a Christmas custom that is practiced in the Philippines. ... Joseph and Mary with baby Jesus, at the first Christmas Christmas (literally, the Mass of Christ) is a holiday in the Christian calendar, usually observed on December 25, which celebrates the birth of Jesus. ... Noche Buena, often translated as Holy Night, is a traditional Christmas eve dinner in the Philippines. ... Wikipedia does not yet have an article with this exact name. ... For the coarsely ground flour, see flour. ... Lechon (Tagalog: Litson) is connoted with a roasted whole pig, lechon baboy. ... Cheese is a solid food made from the milk of cows, goats, sheep, and other mammals. ... This article is about the cut of meat. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... This article is about the domesticated animal raised for food. ... A barbecue on a trailer at a block party in Kansas City. ... Pancit Palabok Pancit or Pansit is stir-fried noodle dish, common in the Philippines, though of Chinese origin. ...

Finland

Most of the traditions, such as Christmas dinner and gift giving are observed on this day. Santa Claus visits homes in person, played by an older family member or a rent-a-Santa. A typical depiction of Santa Claus. ...

Declaration of Christmas Peace has been a tradition in Finland from the Middle Ages every year, except in 1939 due to the Winter War. The declaration takes place on the Old Great Square of Turku, Finland's official Christmas City and former capital, at noon on Christmas Eve. It is broadcast on Finnish radio (since 1935) and television and nowadays also in some foreign countries. The Middle Ages formed the middle period in a traditional schematic division of European history into three ages: the classical civilization of Antiquity, the Middle Ages, and modern times, beginning with the Renaissance. ... Combatants Finland Soviet Union Commanders Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim Kliment Voroshilov Semyon Timoshenko Strength 250,000 men 30 tanks 130 aircraft[1][2] 1,000,000 men 6,541 tanks [3] 3,800 aircraft[4][5] Casualties 26,662 dead 39,886 wounded 1,000 captured[6] 126,875 dead... Location of Turku in Northern Europe Coordinates: , Country Finland Province Western Finland Region Finland Proper Sub-region Turku sub-region Government  - Mayor Mikko Pukkinen Area  - City 306. ...

The declaration ceremony begins with the hymn Jumala ompi linnamme (Martin Luther's A Mighty Fortress Is Our God) and continues with the Declaration of Christmas Peace read from a parchment roll: Martin Luther (November 10, 1483 – February 18, 1546) was a German monk,[1] priest, professor, theologian, and church reformer. ... Rare early printing of A Mighty Fortress. ...

"Tomorrow, God willing, marks the most gracious feast of the birth of our Lord and Saviour, and therefore a general Christmas peace is hereby declared, and all persons are directed to observe this holiday with due reverence and otherwise quietly and peacefully to conduct themselves, for whosoever breaks this peace and disturbs the Christmas holiday by any unlawful or improper conduct shall be liable, under aggravating circumstances, to whatever penalty is prescribed by law and decree for each particular offence or misdemeanour. Finally, all citizens are wished a joyous Christmas holiday."

The Ceremony ends with trumpets playing the Finnish national anthem Maamme and Porilaisten marssi, with the crowd usually singing when the band plays Maamme.

Recently, there is also a declaration of Christmas peace for forest animals in many cities and municipalities, so there is no hunting during Christmas.

In Finland people usually take a Christmas sauna. The tradition is very old. Unlike on normal days, when going to sauna is in the evening, on Christmas eve it is before sunset. This tradition has is based on a pre-20th century belief that the spirits of the dead return and have a sauna on the usual sauna hours. For the music festival in Finland, see Sauna Open Air Metal Festival. ...

Sweden

Further information: Swedish festivities#Christmas

In Sweden, most Christmas celebrations take place on Christmas Eve, including Santa Claus' s distribution of Christmas presents. See Holidays in Sweden. ... A typical depiction of Santa Claus. ... This page is about gifts in the common English-language sense. ...

Denmark

In Denmark, Christmas Eve is when the main celebrations are carried out; this includes Christmas dinner and the opening of presents.

Historical events

A number of historical events have been influenced by the occurrence of Christmas Eve.

Christmas truce

A cross, left near Ypres in Belgium in 1999, to commemorate the site of the 1914Christmas Truce. The text reads 1914—The Khaki Chum's Christmas Truce—85 Years—Lest We Forget.

Main article: Christmas truce

During World War I in 1914 and 1915 an unofficial Christmas truce took place. The truce began on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1914, when German troops began decorating the area around their trenches in the region of Ypres, Belgium, for Christmas. They began by placing candles on trees, then continued the celebration by singing Christmas carols, most notably Stille Nacht (Silent Night). The British troops in the trenches across from them responded by singing English carols. The two sides shouted Christmas greetings to each other. Soon thereafter, there were calls for visits across the "No man's land" where small gifts were exchanged. The truce also allowed a breathing spell where recently-fallen soldiers could be brought back behind their lines by burial parties. Funerals took place as soldiers from both sides mourned the dead together and paid their respects. At one funeral in No Man's Land, soldiers from both sides gathered and read a passage from Psalm 23. The truce occurred in spite of opposition at higher levels of the military command. Earlier in the autumn, a call by Pope Benedict XV for an official truce between the warring governments had been ignored. Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1200x975, 499 KB) Summary Author: Redvers. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1200x975, 499 KB) Summary Author: Redvers. ... Geography Country Belgium Community Flemish Community Region Flemish Region Province West Flanders Arrondissement Ypres Coordinates , , Area 130. ... A cross, left near Ypres in Belgium in 1999, to commemorate the site of the Christmas Truce in 1914. ... “The Great War ” redirects here. ... Year 1914 (MCMXIV) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Wednesday of the 13-day-slower Julian calendar). ... Year 1915 (MCMXV) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Thursday[1] of the 13-day-slower Julian calendar). ... A cross, left near Ypres in Belgium in 1999, to commemorate the site of the Christmas Truce in 1914. ... is the 358th day of the year (359th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1914 (MCMXIV) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Wednesday of the 13-day-slower Julian calendar). ... The German Army (German: [1], [IPA: heɐ]  ) is the land component of the Bundeswehr (Federal Defence Forces) of the Federal Republic of Germany. ... {{subst:empty template|}} {{Copyviocore |url= |month = {{subst:CURRENTMONTHNAME}} |day = {{subst:CURRENTDAY}} |year = {{subst:CURRENTYEAR}} |time = {{subst:CURRENTTIME}} |timestamp = {{subst:CURRENTTIMESTAMP}}}} Trench warfare is a form of warfare where both combatants have fortified positions and fighting lines are static. ... Geography Country Belgium Community Flemish Community Region Flemish Region Province West Flanders Arrondissement Ypres Coordinates , , Area 130. ... For other uses, see Christmas (disambiguation). ... For the short novel by Charles Dickens, see A Christmas Carol. ... Autograph of the carol by Gruber Silent Night (Stille Nacht) is a traditional and popular Christmas carol. ... The British Army is the land armed forces branch of the British Armed Forces. ... The English language is a West Germanic language that originates in England. ... 29th Infantry Battalion, 2nd Division, Canadian Corps. ... The theme of the 23rd Psalm in the Bible casts God in the role of protector and provider. ... Pope Benedict XV (Latin: ), (Italian: Benedetto XV), (November 21, 1854 – January 22, 1922), born Giacomo Paolo Giovanni Battista della Chiesa, reigned as Pope of the Roman Catholic Church from September 3, 1914 to January 22, 1922; he succeeded Pope Pius X (1903–14). ...

Apollo 8 reading from Genesis

Earth as seen from Apollo 8, December 24, 1968 (NASA)

Main article: Apollo 8 Genesis Reading

On December 24, 1968, in what was the most watched television broadcast to date, the astronauts William Anders, Jim Lovell and Frank Borman of Apollo 8 surprised the world with a reading of the creation story from the Book of Genesis as they orbited the moon. Madalyn Murray O'Hair, an atheist activist, filed a lawsuit under the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. The suit was dismissed by the US Supreme Court due to lack of jurisdiction. Download high resolution version (2400x2400, 303 KB) Description Taken by Apollo 8 crewmember Bill Anders on December 24, 1968, showing the Earth rising above the lunar surface. ... Download high resolution version (2400x2400, 303 KB) Description Taken by Apollo 8 crewmember Bill Anders on December 24, 1968, showing the Earth rising above the lunar surface. ... This article is about Earth as a planet. ... Apollo 8 was the Apollo space programs second successful manned mission. ... is the 358th day of the year (359th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1968 (MCMLXVIII) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... For other uses, see NASA (disambiguation). ... On 24 December 1968, in what was the most watched television broadcast to date, the crew of Apollo 8 surprised the world with a reading from Genesis as they orbited the moon. ... Year 1968 (MCMLXVIII) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... For other uses, see Astronaut (disambiguation). ... William Alison Anders (born October 17, 1933) is a former United States Air Force officer and National Aeronautics and Space Administration astronaut. ... Captain James Jim Arthur Lovell, Jr. ... Frank Borman (right) poses with Jim Lovell (left) and Bill Anders (center) for an Apollo 8 publicity photo Frank Borman (born March 14, 1928) was a NASA astronaut, best remembered as one of the three crewmembers of Apollo 8, the first mission to fly around the Moon. ... Apollo 8 was the Apollo space programs second successful manned mission. ... The term origin belief refers to stories and explanations which describe the beginnings of humanity, earth, life, and the universe. ... Genesis (Greek: Γένεσις, having the meanings of birth, creation, cause, beginning, source and origin) is the first book of the Torah (five books of Moses) and hence the first book of the Tanakh, part of the Hebrew Bible; it is also the first book of the Christian Old Testament. ... Madalyn Murray OHair (April 13, 1919 – September 29, 1995) was an American atheist and activist. ... For information about the band, see Atheist (band). ... The Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution states that: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion Together with the Free Exercise Clause, (or prohibiting the free exercise thereof), these two clauses make up what are commonly known as the religion clauses. ... The Supreme Court Building, Washington, D.C. The Supreme Court Building, Washington, D.C., (large image) The Supreme Court of the United States, located in Washington, D.C., is the highest court (see supreme court) in the United States; that is, it has ultimate judicial authority within the United States...

In 1969, the US Postal Service issued a stamp (Scott # 1371) commemorating the Apollo 8 flight around the moon. The stamp featured a detail of the famous photograph of the Earthrise over the moon (NASA image AS8-14-2383HR) taken by Anders on Christmas Eve, and the words, "In the beginning God..." Also: 1969 (number) 1969 (movie) 1969 (Stargate SG-1) episode. ... Covers of the 2002 edition featured art on stamps. ... Apollo 8 was a manned mission of the Apollo space program. ...

See also

• Santa Claus
• Kūčios
• Réveillon
• Wigilia
• New Year's Eve