Definition:
Many families celebrate Christmas Eve with dinners, visiting and carol-singing, followed by midnight church services.
Norwegians say that Christmas Peace descends at 4 o'clock in the afternoon.
Polish families believe Christmas Eve celebrations begin when the first star is spotted, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem.
Italian families often fast for 24-hours prior to Christmas Eve then gather to eat a meatless meal on the eve.
Germans call the night before Christmas Heilig Abend, meaning holy night.
Attending midnight mass is said to be a way to rejoice in the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. The Portuguese call their midnight mass the Missa do Galo, meaning a mass for the rooster.
Celebrated on December 24
At Kids' Turn Central:
Christmas Corner
Everything Christmas for families and kids.
Elsewhere on the Web:
Christmas Eve Cookbook
This book offers the story of Christmas Eve and it's wonderful tastes.
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