There are lots of holidays that start at sunset—pretty much all the holidays in the Jewish and Muslim tradition do. But Christmas Eve is different. A warm-up to the holiday itself, it is a time of gathering together, of singing and lights in the darkness. It is a promise that new life will come if only you will welcome it in.
Do you have beloved traditions for Christmas Eve?
Like most Germans, our main celebration IS Christmas Eve and the rest of the twelve nights are less important, though also celebrated. The 25th and the 26th are national holidays, but many stores, buses, museums, etc. are also closed on the 24th.
In the afternoon of the 24th, we bring in the Christmas tree and take out the tablecloths. Most – if not all – the other decorations are already put up, some on each of the Advent Sundays. When it’s evening, we eat Christmas cookies (many, many different kinds) with the only light coming from candles and the tree. After that, we open the gifts. We take turns, with everyone opening a single gift before the next person gets their turn. We usually go by ages, with the youngest coming first. Once all the gifts are unwrapped, those interested go on a walk and look at the decorations people have put up.