You can say "Merry Christmas" on both the 24th (Christmas Eve) and the 25th (Christmas Day), as traditions vary, but the 25th is the official day, while the 24th is common in Europe and for early greetings; many people use it throughout the whole festive season, starting weeks before and ending after Boxing Day.
The greetings and farewells "Merry Christmas" and "Happy Christmas" are traditionally used in English-speaking countries, starting a few weeks before December 25 every year.
Do you say "merry Christmas" on Christmas Eve or Day?
In the UK, people say “Happy Christmas” or “Merry Christmas” on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and sometimes during the earlier part of December. In the US, Australia, and Canada, people usually say “Merry Christmas” on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or other days in December.
Most Christians celebrate on December 25 in the Gregorian calendar, which has been adopted almost universally in the civil calendars used in countries throughout the world.
It's safe, easy to use, and doesn't create confusion. So regardless of your celebration style or religious orientation, if someone wishes you a Merry Christmas on December 23rd, 24th, and 25th please do not be offended.
Both greetings are acceptable across December and on Christmas Day. In casual contexts it is also common to extend the exchange into the days following 25 December by saying Hope you had a Merry Christmas as people reconnect after the holiday.
In most European and Latin American countries, gifts are exchanged on Christmas Eve, December 24, in keeping with the notion that the baby Jesus was born on the night of the 24th. The morning of December 25, however, has become the time for the exchange of gifts in North America.
In England and Wales, while Christmas Day (December 25th) and Boxing Day (December 26th) are official bank holidays, December 24th itself does not hold that designation. However, this doesn't mean it's just another day on the calendar for most.
Christmas gifts are often exchanged on Christmas Eve (December 24), Christmas Day itself (December 25) or on the last day of the twelve-day Christmas season, Twelfth Night (January 5).
Why do some countries celebrate Christmas on December 24? Many European and Latin American countries exchange presents and begin their celebrations on December 24. This is because they follow ancient Christian tradition, where the liturgical day starts and ends at sunset each day.
The feast, usually on the night of the 24th and lunch on the 25th, is a big one. The family gets together at both meals, and some have the leftovers from the dinner prior to the lunch the next day. The traditional offering for Christmas is sugar-coated almonds. Roast turkey is the most common choice of meal.
Why do people celebrate Christmas Eve instead of Christmas?
In historical terms, Christmas was not always celebrated solely on Dec. 25th, but throughout a whole season of celebration. The tradition of celebrating Christmas Eve comes from the belief that Jesus was born at midnight, though the Bible never confirms this.
The “12 Days of Christmas” refers to Christmastide, the liturgical season when Christmas is celebrated. The celebrations begin Christmas Day on Dec. 25 and proceed through the New Year until Jan. 5, or Twelfth Night.
The church in Rome began formally celebrating Christmas on December 25 in 336, during the reign of the emperor Constantine. As Constantine had made Christianity the effective religion of the empire, some have speculated that choosing this date had the political motive of weakening the established pagan celebrations.
Merry Christmas - on Christmas Day only. In the run up to Christmas - "Have yourself a good Christmas (when it comes)" On Boxing Day and thereafter - "Did you have a good Christmas?" Cannot wish people a Happy New Year until the year is actually new.
Boxing was traditionally the day to open presents but this is no longer common and presents are opened on the 25th. One of the main points of celebration on the 25th is the traditional Christmas Dinner. For many, this is the highlight of the whole festive season.
Christmas Eve is on December 24th, the day before Christmas Day (December 25th), marking the beginning of Christmas celebrations, with many countries and families holding festivities, dinners, or gift exchanges on this night, while December 25th is the official Christmas Day, celebrating Jesus' birth.
Thus, Jesus was believed to have been conceived and crucified on the same day of the year. Exactly nine months later, Jesus was born, on December 25. This idea appears in an anonymous Christian treatise titled On Solstices and Equinoxes, which appears to come from fourth-century North Africa.
Misconception: "Christmas is always on the 25th, so nothing happens on the 24th." Reality: For many, the 24th is the main event, especially in Europe and Latin America. Misconception: "All Christians celebrate on December 25." Reality: Millions of Orthodox Christians celebrate on January 7.
Should Christmas be celebrated on the 24th or 25th?
December 24th is often celebrated as Christmas Eve—a time for anticipation and preparation—while December 25th marks Christ's birth according to Christian tradition.
The timing of gift opening largely splits between Christmas Eve (December 24th) and Christmas Day (December 25th). Each has its own historical roots, emotional significance, and logistical advantages.
Is Christmas dinner always on December 25th? No, while most countries serve Christmas dinner on December 25th, many European nations like Germany and Sweden hold their main meal on Christmas Eve, December 24th.
