Christmas Eve

In Americana only two days have “eve’s” to them, Christmas and New Years. In general, I would say a holiday is given an “eve” due to its importance. New Year’s out of necessity needs an Eve. You can’t observe the New Year unless you celebrate the day before. And most celebrations occur that day rather than the next. When you consider the holidays in Americana, in this modern America we live in, filled with consumerism and the comforts of home, Christmas is the most important of them all. Of course it needs an “eve.” Santa doesn’t come “the day before Christmas” – he comes on “Christmas Eve!” We don’t snuggle down into our beds for a long winter’s nap on “the day before Christmas.” We do it on “Christmas Eve!” We don’t go out caroling, throw Christmas parties, or stay up late on “the day before Christmas.” We do it all on “Christmas Eve!” Mostly, though, Christmas Eve has taken on its own special meaning. Yes, Santa and parties and caroling may define Christmas Eve, but you don’t need any of those to make the day special. It’s special in and of itself. There is an anticipation on that day. There’s a feeling on Christmas Eve of waiting. Of waiting for the culmination of this season, the most wonderful day of the year. Just one day away. Maybe that’s what the fullness of time feels like. We’ve waited all these weeks for Christmas, and now, it’s the day before. We can’t wait anymore, for tomorrow it’s Christmas!