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Get ready to celebrate Christmas Eve on December 24 with family and friends! This day has been celebrated for centuries and is one of the most anticipated days of the year. People from all over the world look forward to this special time where they can gather together, exchange gifts, sing carols, eat festive meals, and create lasting memories with one another. From decorating homes and trees to baking treats - it's a magical holiday that we just can't wait for!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>336</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Recorded Christmas Eve</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first recorded Christmas celebration on December 25 took place in Rome, setting December 24 as Christmas Eve.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1223</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Nativity Scene</div><div class='timeline-text'>Saint Francis of Assisi creates the first nativity scene, a core aspect of Christmas Eve traditions worldwide.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Rise of Christmas Traditions</div><div class='timeline-text'>Many modern Christmas traditions, such as exchanging gifts and decorating Christmas trees, become widespread during this century.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1822</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>"A Visit from St. Nicholas"</div><div class='timeline-text'>The iconic poem, also known as "Twas the Night Before Christmas," is published, cementing the image of Santa Claus in popular culture.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1914</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>WWI Christmas Truce</div><div class='timeline-text'>During World War I, soldiers on both sides partook in unofficial ceasefires, known as the Christmas Truce, highlighting the holiday's peacekeeping spirit.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1955</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>"NORAD Tracks Santa" Begins</div><div class='timeline-text'>The inaugural "NORAD Tracks Santa" program begins, allowing children worldwide to follow Santa Claus's progress on Christmas Eve.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Decorate the Tree</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather the family together and get into the Christmas spirit by decorating the tree. Hang ornaments, twinkle lights, garland and of course, a star on top. This is a festive tradition that will bring lots of joy.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Go Caroling</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Load up with hot cocoa and cookies as you join in your community’s caroling around the neighborhood. Spread cheer by singing classic carols like “Silent Night” and “Jingle Bells”.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a Gift Exchange</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gift exchange games are a great way to bring people together and get them in the holiday spirit. Get your family and friends together for an evening of fun and laughter, playing classic gift exchange games like White Elephant or Secret Santa.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Make Christmas Cookies</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Bake some classic Christmas cookies with your family and friends. Cut out shapes like snowflakes, candy canes, stars, angels, or even reindeer! Decorate with colorful icing and sprinkles to make them extra festive.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a Holiday Movie</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Grab some popcorn and cuddle up for a holiday movie marathon! There’s nothing quite like watching classic holiday movies such as The Polar Express, Home Alone or Miracle on 34th Street to make it feel like Christmas.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a day of preparations</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Christmas Eve is a great time to get ready for the big day. From setting up decorations and wrapping presents to cooking up delicious treats, it's always thrilling to stay busy preparing for all the holiday cheer that comes with Christmas Day!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Family gatherings</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Spending time with family is one of the greatest parts of any holiday. On Christmas Eve, friends and family usually come together to celebrate the season and share stories and laughter. Whether you're having a fancy dinner or just snuggling up on the couch with your loved ones, it's sure to be a night you won't forget anytime soon!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>The anticipation of Christmas morning</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>On Christmas Eve, there's nothing better than going to bed with a little excitement in your heart knowing what wonders await you on the other side! It might be something as simple as opening presents with your kids or taking part in some sleepy morning fun - either way, the anticipation of the next day helps to make special memories.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>"Jingle Bells" was first sung on Christmas Eve</h3><p class='facts-content'>First composed for a Thanksgiving celebration by James Lord Pierpont in 1857, the popular holiday song "Jingle Bells" was actually first performed on Christmas Eve at a church in Savannah, Georgia.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The stockings tradition comes from an old legend</h3><p class='facts-content'>The tradition of hanging stockings on Christmas Eve comes from an old legend of Saint Nicholas. It's said that he once helped a poor man's daughters avoid a life of despair by throwing gold coins down their chimney, which landed in their stockings drying by the fire.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Christmas Eve is a public holiday in some countries</h3><p class='facts-content'>In certain countries such as Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, December 24th is recognized as a public holiday. People often get the day off work to prepare for the evening's festivities.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Some cultures feature a "feast of seven fishes" on Christmas Eve</h3><p class='facts-content'>In Italy and in Italian-American households, Christmas Eve is commonly celebrated with a feast of seven different fish dishes, known as La Vigilia or The Vigil. This reflects the Catholic tradition of abstaining from meat on this particular day.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Norwegian legend says witches roam on Christmas Eve</h3><p class='facts-content'>In Norway, a centuries-old belief holds that witches and evil spirits come out on Christmas Eve. As a result, Norwegians hide all their brooms before they go to sleep to prevent them from being stolen.</p></div></div>
Christmas Eve is celebrated on December 24 every year. In 2024, Christmas Eve will occur on a Tuesday.
2023
Dec 24
Sunday
2024
Dec 24
Tuesday
2025
Dec 24
Wednesday
2026
Dec 24
Thursday
2027
Dec 24
Friday
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