Credit: Jazmin Campbell
Today, Friday 24 December 2021, many people in Luxembourg and around the world are celebrating Christmas Eve.
For many of us, Christmas is a time of joy, a time of giving and a time of catching up and making memories with friends and family. Christmas in Luxembourg is no exception.
But what does a traditional Luxembourgish Christmas look like?
Over the years, the Grand Duchy has been shaped by its many international communities, borrowing foreign customs, including those associated with Christmas. However, certain Luxembourgish traditions for this time of year are still alive and well.
In Luxembourg, the Chrëschtdeeg (Christmas days) celebrations typically last from 24 to 26 December. Chrëschtdag on 25 December and Stiefesdag on 26 December are public holidays, although most shops and businesses close their doors already on the afternoon of 24 December.
On Christmas Eve, Luxembourgers customarily gather around the table for a light meal and chat among friends and family. Practising Christians attend Midnight Mass (Metten) on 24 December and / or Christmas Day Mass on 25 December.
For most Luxembourgers, Christmas Day is the main event, during which children open their presents and families share a hearty festive meal. However, some families prefer to do this on Christmas Eve - the date matters less than the quantity of food eaten... Afterwards, it is customary to go for a long walk to get ready for the next day of feasting.
In the past, Luxembourg families ate Träipen (black pudding) accompanied by potatoes and apple sauce after Midnight Mass. Today, favourite festive dishes include a roast, raclette, cheese fondue or pierrade (a form of barbecue involving a heated stone). Again, it all depends on the family's preferences.
As in many countries, Luxembourg families place presents under the Christmas Tree to be opened either on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Instead of Santa Claus, however, it is normally the Chrëschtkëndchen (baby Jesus) who brings gifts to children - little ones who were particularly good during the year will have already received sweets and presents from the Kleeschen (Saint Nicolas) on 6 December.
A popular tradition among students is the Zürcher Bal (Zurich ball), which takes place each year (pandemic permitting) on 25 December. The event was held for the first time in 1960, making it one of Luxembourg's oldest student balls. In light of the stricter COVID-19 rules set to enter into force on Christmas Day, this year's Zürcher Bal has been cancelled.
Regardless of how it is celebrated, Christmas is a special time of year for many, in Luxembourg and beyond.
