Christmas Eve is observed differently according to local cultures and traditions but it remains essentially a vigil ahead of the major feast of the Nativity.
In Russia, it is marked by fasting until midnight, for instance, and in Germany it is traditional to eat only a simple dish, such as sausage and potato salad.
Yet in Italy, Christmas Eve has become the “feast of the seven fishes”, which evolved from the Roman practice of abstaining from meat during the vigil. In Spain families also dine together as part of the tradition of Nochebuena, and Christmas Eve is the night the French have their Christmas dinners, as it is with the Finns.
Britain is closer to Germany in its observance of Christmas Eve, with an enduring sense of the vigil as a final day of lengthy spiritual and practical preparations for the great feast. As such, it might also be a good day to attend a carol concert, to pray, to read Scriptures and to discuss Nativity scenes with your children. Parents can add to the joy by placing the Baby Jesus in the crib just before bedtime.
Also, following a newer tradition originating in the United States, don’t forget to leave out a mince pie for Santa and a carrot for his reindeers.
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