One of my favorite nights of the entire year. Christmas Eve remains magically and special. Here are some memories and thoughts...
* We used to attend Midnight Mass every Christmas Eve. Now, good luck finding a mass that actually is at midnight. Most Christmas Eve services start around 9:00 p.m. The church was always packed. We would get there to sing carols for 30 minutes prior to mass beginning. Sacred Heart Church always looked so nice, decorated for Christmas, with flowers, lights and garland.
We wouldn't get home until around 1:30 in the morning, but we didn't care. Wishing fellow parishioners a Merry Christmas was so special. Returning home, maybe having a cup of hot chocolate before heading to bed. And, as a kid, searching the cold, clear sky for Santa on the way home from church.
* Wrapping and putting out presents on Christmas Eve. My family always opened presents on Christmas morning, so Christmas Eve was merely displaying the pretty packages, the colorful paper and bows. It was both fun and frustrating, wondering what was inside each box, shaking and feeling every package for clues. Judging by the size and weight and sound, you could make a pretty good guess at each gift.
When we were kids, Mom and Dad would drag out all the presents after we had gone to bed.There was nothing more exciting then sneaking downstairs to see the freshly-wrapped gifts under the tree, glimmering among the Christmas tree lights, each light twinkling brightly in the darkness. Then, we couldn't wait until daylight came so we could wake everyone up and head downstairs.
* Christmas Eve...I remember the aromas too. The warm, smell of roasted turkey in the oven;;.Christmas cookies freshly baked;.The sweet scent of pine from the real tree. Christmas Eves seemed colder back then too. Open the door for visitors and feel the rush of frosty cold air blowing in and causing an icy chill.
* Music..Christmas music! Now, radio stations start playing Christmas songs around November 1st. Back then, it was against the rules to play Christmas music before Thanksgiving. On Christmas Eve, be it form a radio, or stereo, or live singing, there was always Christmas melodies in our house. Religious songs like "Joy To The World" and "Silent Night" to commercial favorites such as "Snoopy's Christmas" or Alvin and The Chipmunks' "Christmas Don't Be Late."Every year there was a new Christmas tune that became the song for that Christmas.
* Movies and TV. Christmas Eve was all about watching Christmas specials on TV, or Christmas movies. "A Christmas Carol" was always a favorite on Christmas Eve, the black and white, Alister Sim version. Since it takes place on Christmas Eve,it seemed extra special to watch it late at night in the quiet darkness.
* If we didn't go to Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, it was always tradition to watch Christmas Eve Mass with he Pope from the Vatican.Pope Paul VI and John Paul II were really the only two Pontiffs I remember while growing up. Watching the Pope celebrate Christmas Eve Midnight Mass with Cardinals and Bishops all around him in the magnificent St. peter's Basilica, was an awesome treat every year. Must-see TV every year.
* Those are some of my memories of Christmas Eve.Family members are passed on, but are never forgotten, especially on this night. New memories are made. And Christmas Eve is always a little more special if you have children around. They make Christmas Eve magical. Even if you are old, having kids or animals around you- loved ones- makes you feel young again and reminds you of the magic.
Christmas Eve is to be savored and appreciated, as they soon become fleeting. Christmas Eve isn't about gifts and presents- it's about love and sharing the true meaning of Christmas with those you love.
Merry Christmas everyone!
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