Christmas Eve is the evening or entire day before Christmas Day. Many people see the evening as a special time when they go to church, open gifts and celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Christmas Day is celebrated around the world, and Christmas Eve is also seen as a partial holiday in anticipation of Christmas Day. Together, both days are considered one of the most culturally significant celebrations among Christians and in Western society.
Many churches ring their church bells and hold prayer services all over the world on Christmas Eve. Church services often start an hour before midnight.
The idea of Jesus being born at night is reflected in the fact that Christmas Eve is referred to as Heilige Nacht (Holy Night) in German, Nochebuena (the Good Night) in Spanish and similarly in other expressions of Christmas spirituality, such as the song Silent Night, Holy Night.
Around the world many other traditions and experiences are also associated with Christmas Eve, including family and friends gathering, singing Christmas carols, and enjoying the Christmas lights, trees and other decorations.
Many families wrap and open gifts on Christmas Eve, whereas other families choose to do so on Christmas Day.
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