On Christmas Eve, children get ready for the imminent arrival of Santa Claus by hanging up stockings in anticipation of their being filled with presents while they sleep. It is a tradition to hang stockings beside the fireplace, as every child knows that Santa always comes into the house down the chimney. They leave out a small glass of whisky or milk for Santa along with a mince pie. They also make sure that carrots are left for Rudolph and the other reindeer. The mystery of Santa's visit makes it difficult for children to sleep on this special night and they wake very early in the morning.

The religious side of Christmas is frequently all to often forgotten, but many families attend midnight church services on Christmas Eve at which traditional Christmas carols such as the Holly and the Ivy, Come All Ye Faithful, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, O Little Town of Bethlehem, and Silent Night are sung. For many, church is a quiet moment amongst a flurry of Christmas activities when it is possible to remember most clearly what the day is about.