The date of Christmas Eve depends on whether the person celebrates Christmas on December 25 or January 7. Christmas Eve is the last day before Christmas - December 24 or January 6, respectively.
Recall that all Christians celebrate Christmas on December 25, but Catholics and some Orthodox use the modern calendar, while some Orthodox celebrate according to the old Julian calendar. However, the date of Jesus' birth is not mentioned in the Bible.
Since Christmas Eve precedes Christmas, this holiday commemorates the events that preceded the birth of Jesus Christ. According to legend, on this day the star of Bethlehem appeared in the sky, which informed people about the birth of the Savior and the Son of God.
Ukrainians have been celebrating Christmas Eve since ancient times. From Christmas Eve in the Ukrainian ritual calendar, the period of Christmas time began, which lasted until Epiphany (January 19). In ancient times, nothing was eaten on Christmas Eve until the appearance of the first star in the sky. Nowadays, you can eat on this holiday, but only lenten dishes.
On Christmas Eve, it is customary to attend the liturgy first, and then the Christmas Vigil. If it is not possible to visit the temple, you can pray to God from home. It is also worth confessing your sins on this bright day.
Of the entertainment on Christmas Eve, Christmas nativity scenes and performances were popular. On this date, people acted out the scene of the birth of Christ in Bethlehem. Children and young people go caroling on Christmas Eve.
In the evening on Christmas Eve, the whole family gathers for a festive dinner. The traditional menu for Christmas Eve consists of twelve Lenten dishes. They may differ depending on the preferences of the family, but they definitely include kutya for Christmas and uzvar. Fish dishes are allowed🤤🤤.