Merry National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day ! ! ! 

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A Brief History:
Origination: Christian churches have observed Christmas Eve partly due to the belief that Jesus was born at midnight. Many congregations today conduct Christmas Eve services or Midnight Masses, and they may also organize candlelight vigils, Nativity plays, or carol singing. Christmas Eve encompasses a variety of both religious and secular customs. The religious practices primarily focus on the nativity of Jesus Christ, with various denominations observing their unique traditions. For instance, Roman Catholics and Anglicans participate in Midnight Mass, while Lutherans engage in candlelight services accompanied by Christmas carols. Additionally, numerous evangelical congregations conduct evening services that include the celebration of Holy Communion among families.

Photo by Myriam Zilles on Unsplash

The Food, The Merry Gettogether: In the 16^th century, the influence of winter solstice festivities began to shape Christian traditions, leading to the practice of decorating and preparing for Christmas Day on the evening prior. This involved activities such as setting up the Christmas tree, adorning it with mistletoe and holly, bringing in the Yule log, and preparing various dishes for the Christmas feast. Christmas Eve is observed globally with diverse culinary traditions. In Italy, the occasion is marked by the Feast of Seven Fishes. Russians typically partake in a twelve-dish supper on Christmas Eve prior to the exchange of gifts. In contrast, Bulgaria features a Christmas Eve meal that includes an odd number of meatless dishes.

Here Comes Santa: In addition to culinary delights and religious observances, the holiday marks the occasion when Santa Claus ascends into the sky in his sleigh to distribute Christmas presents globally. This iconic figure, often depicted as a man with a white beard clad in a red suit, is also referred to as Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, and Saint Nicholas. Regardless of the name used, the myth of Santa is rooted in the historical figure of Saint Nicholas of Myra. This early Christian bishop was renowned for his acts of anonymous generosity and numerous miracles. Over time, the narrative surrounding Santa expanded to encompass elements such as the North Pole, a sleigh pulled by reindeer, a list categorizing individuals as naughty or nice, and his cheerful exclamation, “ho, ho, ho.”

Heavenly Sunset at Salvation Mountain. courtesy of Openverse

Prayer: Here is some prayer to make your Christmas Eve:

Dear Jesus,
As we commemorate Your birth, Lord, we anticipate the coming year with hope. While the future remains uncertain, we place our trust in Your presence guiding us through every moment. May the joy and awe of Christmas remain with us long after this evening, serving as a reminder that You are Emmanuel, God with us.
Amen.

The Apostles Creed

I believe in God,
the Father almighty,
Creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried;
He descended into hell;
on the third day He rose again from the dead;
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty;
from there He will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Christian Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and life everlasting.
Amen.

Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, Who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come.
Thy will be done on Earth, As it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
For ever and ever.
Amen.

Benediction

The Lord bless and keep you.

The Lord make His face shine upon you and give you grace.

The Lord look upon you with countenance ✠ , and grant you peace.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen

Christmas Eve in the Little Village courtesy of Openverse

Celebrated: Christmas Eve is observed the day before Christmas each year on December 24^th.

A Few Facts:
I am sharing a few facts, and more, some trivia, some not trivial. . .

Some Traditions: Here are some activities of your Christmas Eve:

• Yule: Enjoy some time in front of the fireplace with solitude and tranquility.

Happy Yule Day – 2024

• Church: Participate in a candlelight service or attend Midnight Mass at your local church.
• Read the Book of Luke in the Bible: Read the narrative of Jesus’ birth as detailed in the Book of Luke.
• Milk & Cookies: Prepare milk and cookies for Santa Claus.
• The Neighbors: Distribute Christmas cookies and other treats to your neighbors.
• Ugly Christmas Sweaters: Organize a gathering featuring ugly Christmas sweaters.

Happy National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day – 2024

• Have Some Eggnog: Gather with your family around the Christmas tree, enjoying cups of eggnog while reminiscing about cherished holiday moments.

Happy National Egg Nog Day – 2024

• Christmas Caroling: Engage in caroling within your community or at a senior care facility.

Happy National Go Caroling Day – 2024

• Gingerbread House: Construct a gingerbread house.

Happy Gingerbread House Day – 2024

• Christmas Stockings: Display your Christmas stockings.
• Christmas Readings: Enjoy reading classic Christmas literature such as The Night Before Christmas and A Christmas Carol.
• Watch Christmas Movies: Watch a delightful Christmas film, such as Elf, Home Alone, or The Grinch.
• Silent Night: Enjoy a nice peaceful Silent Night listening to Silent Night. Don’t forget a candle!

Celebrate the Birth of Jesus! Passages to a New Beginning ’23 – to: Silent Night

• Christmas Lights & Decorations: Hire a limousine to tour and admire the festive Christmas lights. If you can’t, cruise through the Facebook Party: 

Join the #LIVE Facebook Party:

Click HERE to go to the Facebook Party

• Watch the Santa Tracker: Enjoy watching the Santa Tracker brought to you courtesy of NORAD, on Versatileer:

#Live Now: NORAD Tracks Santa – Track Santa All Day Today on Christmas Eve – 2024

🔔 🍴 👶 🕯️ 🎅 👼 🎶 🛐 ⛪ 🤶 ✝️ ❄️ ☃️ 👪 ⛄ 🌟 🔥 🎄 🍷 🦌 🍪 🥛 🧝‍♀️

The Present:
Christmas Eve is a great part of getting ready Christmas!!

The Future:
Christmas Eve will always be a part of of the upcoming holidays! Let’s give and receive thanks with the holiday this great year and in the years to come. . .

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SANTA stops at a SUNOCO GAS STATION for Directions on Christmas Eve . . . courtesy of Openverse

Christmas Eve