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Christmas Eve. Even now, decades into adulthood, those two words carry a special kind of magic—the anticipation, the rituals, that feeling that something wonderful is about to happen.
Tonight, as Christmas Eve arrives once again, let’s take a moment to remember how we celebrated this special night then, and reflect on how it’s changed.
The Anticipation Was Everything
Remember that feeling? Christmas Eve morning, knowing you had to survive an entire day before anything happened. Time moved differently on Christmas Eve—slower, heavier, almost unbearable when you were young.
The tree was up (likely put up just days before, not weeks like today). Presents underneath, carefully wrapped in paper—not the glossy store-bought rolls, but often reused paper from last year, smoothed and folded carefully because waste wasn’t an option.
You might have spent the day helping with preparations: peeling potatoes, setting the good china, polishing candlesticks. Everyone had jobs. The house smelled like baking—cookies, pies, the turkey or goose already prepared for tomorrow.
Church on Christmas Eve
For many Canadian families, Christmas Eve meant church. Not the Christmas Day service—Christmas Eve.
The church would be packed, warm from bodies despite the cold outside. Candles flickering. The choir in their robes. Everyone dressed in their Sunday best, even though it was Wednesday or Thursday or whatever day Christmas happened to fall on.
The Christmas story read aloud. Carols sung with real conviction because people knew every verse, not just the chorus. “Silent Night” by candlelight at the end, and you’d file out into the snowy darkness feeling like something sacred had happened.
Some churches held midnight mass. Staying up until midnight felt wildly grown-up and special when you were ten years old.
Christmas Eve Dinner Traditions
Dinner on Christmas Eve varied by family and region, but it was always special.
Some families had their big feast Christmas Eve night—turkey, ham, all the trimmings. Christmas Day was leftovers and relaxation.
Others kept Christmas Eve simple—soup and buns, maybe fish (especially in Catholic households following tradition). The big meal was saved for Christmas Day.
Many Ukrainian, Polish, and Eastern European Canadian families celebrated with a twelve-course meatless feast on Christmas Eve, with rituals passed down through generations.
Whatever was served, it was eaten together, at the table, with ceremony.
The Rituals We Remember
Every family had their Christmas Eve traditions:
Reading the Christmas story from the family Bible before bed.
Leaving out cookies and milk for Santa, carrots for the reindeer. (Did anyone else’s father “accidentally” take a bite of the cookie and leave crumbs?)
The last-minute gift wrapping after kids went to bed—parents staying up far too late, whispering and sneaking.
Driving around to look at Christmas lights in the neighbourhood, back when outdoor decorations were simpler—one string of coloured lights felt extravagant.
Listening to Christmas music on the radio—Bing Crosby, Perry Como, the same songs year after year that became the soundtrack of the season.
Opening one gift on Christmas Eve—in some families, always wearing pyjamas so you’d look nice for Christmas morning photos.
The Hardest Part: Going to Sleep
Remember trying to fall asleep on Christmas Eve? Impossible.
You’d lie there in the dark, listening for sleigh bells or reindeer hooves on the roof. Every creak in the house became Santa. Your mind raced through the possibilities of what might be under the tree tomorrow.
Parents would call out, “Santa won’t come if you’re still awake!” so you’d squeeze your eyes shut and try to force sleep that wouldn’t come.
And somehow, eventually, it did. And morning would arrive impossibly early.
How It’s Different Now
Christmas Eve today has changed in many ways:
Trees go up right after Halloween now—the anticipation stretched thin over eight weeks instead of building to one perfect night.
Church attendance has declined. Many churches struggle to fill pews even on Christmas Eve.
Families are scattered. That whole-family gathering around one table is rarer now.
Traditions have loosened. What was sacred ritual for us is now optional for our kids and grandkids.
And yet—some things remain. The anticipation still exists for children. Families still gather where they can. Churches still hold candlelight services. Christmas Eve still feels different from every other night of the year.
Bill: I’ll be working 12 hour night shifts right through Christmas week this year but my favourite Christmas Eve memories are from when our three boys were small. The looks of wonder and apprehension on their faces and the excitement in their voices brought a lump to my throat every time, as I remembered my own excitement at that age. I hope I’ll have the chance to see the same on the faces of our two great-grandchildren that were just born this year.
Marilyn: My favourite Christmas Eve memory was one filled with the anticipation of the arrival of Christmas morning when we would open our gifts. A letter to Santa Claus was printed, his plate of cookies was set on the table, with a napkin and a glass of milk, and carrots were placed out on the step for Santa’s reindeer. Mother always had a couple of Christmas cookies, and a small glass of milk taken to the living room, my night time snack while looking at the beautiful tree she had decorated. We didn’t have a fireplace, but my stocking was hung on the foot of my bed. A good night kiss and hug from Mother who then tucked me in for the night. It was always so hard to get to sleep, but knowing Santa wouldn’t come if I was awake, soon sent me off into dreamland.
For Those Alone Tonight
Not everyone has joyful Christmas Eve memories. Not everyone has a family gathering tonight.
If Christmas Eve feels lonely or painful, that’s valid. The holidays magnify whatever we’re feeling—joy becomes brighter, but loneliness cuts deeper.
You’re not alone in being alone. Many seniors will spend tonight quietly, perhaps by choice, perhaps not. There’s no shame in that. A quiet Christmas Eve watching old movies or reading a good book is a perfectly acceptable way to spend tonight.
The Gift of Memory
Whether tonight finds you surrounded by family or sitting quietly by yourself, the memories remain. The Christmas Eves of childhood, when everything felt magical. The Christmas Eves as young parents, creating magic for your own children. The ones with people now gone who made the night special.
Those memories are gifts that can’t be unwrapped or broken or lost. They’re yours forever.
Our Shared Wisdom
What’s your most vivid Christmas Eve memory? Was there a particular tradition your family always followed? How did you celebrate Christmas Eve when you were young?
**Your turn:** Hit reply and share your thoughts! We read every response and often feature reader stories in future articles.
Tomorrow
Tomorrow, Christmas Day, we’ll reflect on Christmas mornings through the years—the joy, the chaos, the moments that mattered most.
Tonight, whatever your circumstances, may you find a moment of peace. Merry Christmas Eve.
Warmly,
Bill and Marilyn,
Founders of Canadian Senior Moment
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**Bill Gould** spent 43 years as a long-haul truck driver before trading the steering wheel for a keyboard to help fellow Canadians navigate the road of retirement. A freelance writer, published author, and editor of over 50 books, Bill co-founded *Canadian Senior Moment* with his wife, Marilyn, to provide a trusted space for seniors to find clarity, safety, and connection in the digital age. When he isn’t troubleshooting “tech gremlins” or sharing childhood memories of the Prairies, he can be found in his woodshop or working on his latest novel.