Christmas Eve Quotes Bring Alive the Magic of Christmas

The night before Christmas, made memorable

Playful young women with sparklers
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There is something magical about Christmas Eve. The restrained excitement, the easy flow of conversation, and the warmth of the wintry night bring to mind several memorable Christmas Eves that you celebrated earlier. Churchgoers look forward to the Midnight Mass, a special occasion to seek blessings from God for the year ahead.

Christmas Around the World

Christmas Eve traditions vary across countries. In France, Christmas is a time to connect with family, exchange gifts with loved ones, and attend the Midnight Mass. Kids put shoes near the fireplace so that Papa Noël leaves gifts behind. In Russia, Christmas is celebrated on January 7, as per the Orthodox calendar. Russians celebrate Christmas by having a family dinner and meeting up with friends and family. Christmas in Italy is one long celebration, starting from December 24, that is Christmas Eve, going right up to January 6, the Epiphany. Nativity scenes, Christmas lights and decorations, traditional costumes, and feasting dominate the scene.

Most families have their own special Christmas Eve traditions. While each family prides itself in creating its own traditions, many of the observances are common among families.

Traditions on Christmas Eve

The Midnight Mass is a common tradition in most Catholic families. People head to their church for a special prayer service. There are many traditions surrounding the Christmas tree, Christmas decorations, the Yule log, the Mistletoe, carol singing, and of course, Christmas stockings. Let us not forget ​Santa Claus, who adds his own charm to the spirit of Christmas. Abundant stories and legends about Santa Claus have kept the myth alive, creating a world of magic in the eyes of little children. Santa Claus is not just a giver of gifts, he epitomizes hope and joy that is so integral to Christmas celebration.

Famous Quotes About Christmas

Enjoy these Christmas Eve quotes with your loved ones.

Charles Dickens

"Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childhood days, recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth, and transport the traveler back to his own fireside and quiet home!"

Bill McKibben

"There is no ideal Christmas; only the one Christmas you decide to make as a reflection of your values, desires, affections, traditions."

Norman Vincent Peale

"I truly believe that if we keep telling the Christmas story, singing the Christmas songs, and living the Christmas spirit, we can bring joy and happiness and peace to this world. "      

Sir Walter Scott

"'Twas Christmas broach'd the mightiest ale;

'Twas Christmas told the merriest tale;

A Christmas gambol oft could cheer

The poor man's heart through half the year."

Alexander Smith

"Christmas is the day that holds all time together."

Helen Steiner Rice

"Bless us Lord, this Christmas with quietness of mind. Teach us to be patient and always to be kind."

Hamilton Wright Mabi

"Blessed is the season, which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love."

Clement C. Moore, The Night Before Christmas

"Now, 'Dasher!' now, 'Dancer!' now, 'Prancer' and 'Vixen!'

On, 'Comet!' on, 'Cupid!' on, 'Donner' and 'Blitzen!'"

Mother Goose

"Christmas is coming, the geese are getting fat,

Please to put a penny in an old man's hat;

If you haven't got a penny a ha'penny will do,

If you haven't got a ha'penny, God bless you."

Bess Alrich

"Christmas Eve was a night of song that wrapped itself about you like a shawl. But it warmed more than your body. It warmed your heart… filled it, too, with a melody that would last forever."

Ray Evans, Silver Bells

"Silver bells, silver bells,

It's Christmas time in the city."

Orson Welles

"Now I'm an old Christmas tree, the roots of which have died. They just come along and while the little needles fall off me replace them with medallions."

W. T. Ellis

"It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air." 

Alfred, Lord Tennyson, In Memoriam

"The time draws near the birth of Christ;

The moon is hid; the night is still;

The Christmas bells from hill to hill

Answer each other in the mist."

Ada V. Hendricks

"May you have the gladness of Christmas which is hope;

The spirit of Christmas which is peace;

The heart of Christmas which is love."