Christmas Eve, the holy vigil preceding the anniversary of Christ’s birth, holds a special place in Christian devotion across the world. Drawing from the ancient liturgical tradition, where the day begins at sunset, the evening of December 24 ushers in the joy of the Nativity of the Lord.
In many Christian nations, especially in Europe and Latin America, the Christmas period’s main festivities commence on December 24, with December 25 being a day for restful reflection and visiting with extended family, as the Twelve Days of Christmas, concluding at Epiphany, begin.
Germany, Poland, the Scandinavian countries, Latin America, and other places that focus their Christmas celebrations on December 24 hold to many traditions that have faded in the English-speaking world, although Polish-Americans and other communities with a strong sense of their heritage have kept some of them alive in the United States. Most will fast until sunset, with families often keeping watch outside for the first star, reminiscent of the Star of Bethlehem, before taking a traditional vigil supper.
In Poland, this is an impressive twelve-dish spread, representing the Twelve Apostles and the twelve months of the coming year, laid on a tablecloth with hay spread beneath it to recall the manger where Christ was born. An extra place set as a sign of welcome to the stranger, as the Holy Family sought welcome before the Nativity.
Before the meal, people pass around special Christmas wafers stamped with a holy image, breaking off pieces and offering each other prayers, wishes for peace, and sometimes reconciliation, mirroring the bread shared at the Lord’s Supper. It is after this vigil supper, rather than on Christmas morning, that gifts are exchanged—a tradition also observed by the British Royal Family, as established by some of their German ancestors.
Particular to Catholics and Anglicans is the Midnight Mass at the end of the day, although other denominations increasingly offer a similar service. In 1223 A.D., St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, staged the first living nativity scene in a cave at Greccio, Italy, for one of these, celebrating the Mass with the townspeople over a hay-filled manger with a live ox and donkey.
There is no denying the magic of Christmas morning in America. Still, there is much to be gained from these more intentional Christmas Eve traditions, too, transforming a day associated with last-minute shopping and panic into one more focused on watchful hope and family connection.
God bless, and enjoy your vigil supper.
Image by Fr Lawrence Lew, O.P.
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