Christmas Eve in Luxembourg

History and Traditions: Christmas Eve, or "Heilig Owend" as it's called in Luxembourgish, is steeped in a blend of religious and cultural traditions. Luxembourg's Christmas festivities are influenced by its location at the heart of Europe and its mix of French, German, and local customs.

Historically, the holiday season in Luxembourg centers around the Advent period leading up to Christmas Day. The country is predominantly Christian, hence church services play an integral role on Christmas Eve. Midnight Mass is particularly significant, with many Luxembourgers attending the service known as "Mëtten" to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Customs:

• Advent Wreaths: In many homes, Advent wreaths made of fir or spruce branches with four candles are displayed. One candle is lit each Sunday leading up to Christmas Eve.
• Decorations: Houses and streets are adorned with festive lights and decorations.
• Gift-giving: It's traditional for presents to be exchanged on Christmas Eve among family members after dinner.
• Nativity Scenes: Many households display a crèche or Nativity scene depicting the birth of Jesus.

Activities on Christmas Eve: 1. Family Gatherings: Families come together to share a special meal on Christmas Eve. The dinner often includes traditional dishes such as fish, typically carp or pike, meat dishes like ham, pâtés, and sausages. 2. Baking: Baking traditional Luxembourgish cookies such as "Chrësstagskichelcher" is a common activity leading up to the evening. 3. Church Services: Attending Midnight Mass or earlier evening services at local churches remains an important part of the celebration for many Luxembourgers. 4. Singing Carols: Singing Christmas carols either at church or during family gatherings is another cherished tradition.

Christmas Eve in Luxembourg remains a time for families to come together in a celebration that mixes age-old traditions with modern customs. It marks both a religious observance and a cultural event that heralds warmth and joy during the winter season.