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Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve

Take a look at Christmas Day and Boxing Day!
 
 

What happens on Christmas Eve?

Christmas StockingWhat happens on Christmas Eve?
 
In the UK, young children become very excited waiting for Father Christmas to visit. Children often leave mince pies, biscuits, brandy, sherry or a glass of milk for Father Christmas, and carrots or oats for the reindeer.
 
Stockings are hung by fireplaces, in the hope that Father Christmas will fill them with gifts, as long as they've been good. The children then go to bed, and wait for Christmas morning to see if he's visited. This tradition, regularly done by children since around 1870, comes from the story of Father Christmas once dropping gold coins down the chimney while delivering presents. These coins would have been lost if they hadn't luckily landed in some stockings that had been hung by the fireplace to dry.
 
 
 

When is Christmas Eve?

When is Christmas Eve?
 
Christmas Eve is on 24th December.
 
Christmas Eve is traditionally the day for decorating churches and homes. It marks the beginning of the period formally known as Christ-tide. 
 
Christmas  traditionally started at sunset on December 24. Our ancient ancestors considered this to be Christmas Evening (or Christmas Eve).
 
 

Who is Father Christmas?

Father ChristmasWho is Father Christmas?
 
Father Christmas, also known as Santa Claus amongst many other names, was based on St Nicholas.  In Dutch, St Nicholas is Sinter Klaas, the name which, once known in America, was changed to Santa Claus!
 
 
 
 
 
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