by Christmas Eve is widely observed, by Christians and many others, as a full or partial holiday in anticipation of Christmas Day and together with it is considered one of the most culturally significant celebrations in Christendom and Western society.
Many people in Canada have to work on Christmas Eve, but it is also a day of preparation for the approaching holidays. Some people buy last-minute Christmas gifts for family members and friends while others wrap presents that they bought earlier.
Many families put up their Christmas tree and other decorations on Christmas Eve. However, some do this earlier in December and just save a few special decorations, perhaps representing the Nativity, to put on display on December 24. People who attend church regularly may go to a church service on the evening of December 24, known as midnight mass
