9 ideas for celebrating Christmas Eve

1. Stage a small Nativity scene

With family

Whether from Provence or elsewhere, the nativity scene comes into every home at Christmas time! Generally, it is put in place during the Advent season, taking care not to place the santon of the Child Jesus until the evening of December 24.

Take particular care of this moment, especially if children are present. Explain who the characters are, tell the Christmas story or, better yet, read chapter 2 of the Gospel according to Saint Luke and end this moment by everyone singing a hymn like Angels in our countryside . Find the lyrics and recordings of the most famous Christmas carols on the Sing in Church website.

You can also invite everyone, young and old, to play a short scene inspired by the Nativity. No need for elaborate costumes: a star cut out of cardboard, a scarf for Mary, a scarf for a shepherd… The main thing is that everyone can enter into the story, let themselves be touched by the simplicity of the nativity scene and rediscover the deep meaning of this night.

2. Organize a family culinary event

With family

If gathering around the Christmas dinner table is in itself a convivial moment, why not also share in its preparation? For example, suggest, on the afternoon of the 24th, making star-shaped Alsace “butterbredele” to accompany dessert.

When eating them, explain why the star was chosen to make a Christmas cake, specifying that it recalls the one that guided the Magi to the Child Jesus. Find the story in chapter 2, verses 1 to 12 of the Gospel according to Saint Matthew.

Bredele recipe

Ingredients :

• 250g flour
• 125 g of powdered sugar
• 5 egg yolks
• 125g butter
• 1 tablespoon of milk
• Lemon zest or vanilla powder

1. Dig a fountain in the sifted flour and pour in the sugar, 4 egg yolks and the lemon zest.
2. Add the butter cut into small pieces and knead quickly to obtain a homogeneous dough.
3. Let it rest cool for at least 2 hours.
4. Flour the work surface and roll out the dough to 3-4 mm thickness.
5. Cut out stars. Place them on a baking sheet covered with baking paper, then brown with egg diluted in milk.
6. Cook in a medium oven, at 160°C, for 6 to 8 min. Leave to cool.

3. Sing and play music

With family

Sweet night, The divine child was born, Between the ox and the gray donkey… traditional songs are known by all generations. Why not organize a Christmas “karaoke” where everyone can sing, or accompany the songs with flute, guitar, piano or… triangle? Make a little family orchestra! You will be able to explain what the words mean, and rejoice as a family to the sound of these songs which mark and will mark so many good and precious memories.

Find the lyrics and recordings of the most famous Christmas carols on chantonseneglise.fr

4. Say the blessing

With family

Saying thank you and feeling the joy of being together, we don’t do it often enough! However, it is essential to tell ourselves that we love each other. Especially on Christmas Eve, which tensions or quarrels can spoil.

Around the New Year’s Eve table, as a blessing, the person receiving can suggest to the guests that they say a “thank you” for an event of the past year, since the previous Christmas.

You will conclude this family blessing by expressing your joy, on this Christmas evening, at being gathered together on the occasion of the birth of Jesus, the Prince of peace and forgiveness.

5. Read a story or a text in your church or at home

With family and alone

If reading the text of chapter 2 of the Gospel according to Saint Luke is not possible, why not discover a Christmas story? In a pleasant space (near the fireplace), with beanbags and soft cushions, leave several books available. Everyone can also let themselves be lulled by a story read by someone, for everyone, or read whenever they want, during quiet time, the book or passage they want.

There is no age to appreciate these sweet moments of spiritual escape. For example :

• My Christmas picture, by Marie Paruit. Ed. Bayard Jeunesse, 20 p. ; €9.90 (from 2 years old)
• The Christmas Story, by Pamela Dalton. Ed. Bayard, 32p.; €13.50 (from 8 years old)
• Christmas tales from Provence, by Alphonse Daudet, Paul Arène, Frédéric Mistrald. Ed. Saint-Léger, 80 p. ; €8 (for all).
• And of course your Bible.

6. Spend Christmas at the abbey

Solo or with family

The rule of Saint Benedict affirms: “All guests will be received like Christ, for he will say: “I was your guest and you received me.” » Welcoming is therefore practiced in monasteries, particularly during Christmas time. You can spend time there with other people, the monastic community that welcomes you, but also families choosing to celebrate Christmas away from all the hustle and bustle.

7. Travel to the Holy Land at Christmas

Solo or with family

Many pilgrimages to the land of Jesus are organized for Christmas. Experiencing, at least once in your life, the celebration of the Nativity on the manger square is a particularly moving moment! Where it all began. Sharing a pilgrimage to the Holy Land as a family unites its members and supports the faith and prayer of all for a long time! Talk about it together on Christmas Eve, a project to prepare could be born and accompany your family for a whole year.

8. Connected Christmas

Solo

If you cannot travel due to illness or old age, it is fortunately possible to feel part of the celebration by watching midnight mass on television (in principle France 2), or by following it on the radio on RCF, Radio Notre-Dame or France Culture.

9. Spend a united Christmas Eve

Solo or with family

Catholic Relief, the community of Sant’Egidio, the Little Brothers of the Poor and the Society of Saint-Vincent-de-Paul are looking for volunteers to organize and serve Christmas Eve for the poorest and isolated people. Offer your help! You can also welcome someone to your table: a single neighbor, a foreign student, your priest… by offering to occupy “the poor man’s place”.