MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE, CHOOSTER’S – TRACKING SANTA – December 24, 2023

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE, CHOOSTERS!

Christmas Eve Traditions From Around the World

There are many different Christmas Eve traditions that people celebrate around the world:

Germany: Leaving a shoe out for Saint Nicholas

Sweden: Christmas Eve dinner with family and friends

Iceland: Leaving a plate of food out for the Yule Lads

Finland: Visiting cemeteries to light candles for loved ones

United States: Leaving cookies and milk out for Santa Claus

The History of Christmas Eve

Things weren’t always so pleasant, however. On Christmas Eve, 1521, crowds rioted in Wittenberg, with the Reformation gaining steam in Germany. Against the orders of Elector Frederick, Andreas Carlstadt had given them both the bread and wine at mass. Zealous for more “reformation,” the mob smashed church lamps, sang ridiculous songs to drown out the choir, and intimidated the priests.

Luther is supposed to have cut the first Christmas tree. The story may be apocryphal, but we know that on Christmas Eve, 1538, he was in a jolly mood, singing and talking about the incarnation. Then he sighed, saying, “Oh, we poor men, that we should be so cold and indifferent to this great joy which has been given us.”

Despite Luther’s lament, others would make warm memories on Christmas Eve. In his memoirs, Sir John Reresby told how he invited his poor tenants for a feast on Christmas Eve, 1682. During World War I, the famous Christmas Truce began for many troops on Christmas Eve, 1914, demonstrating the power for good that is inherent in the season.