Christmas Day

**Christmas Day in Belgium** is a cherished and festive holiday celebrated on **December 25th**, marking the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a time for family gatherings, religious traditions, and joyful festivities. In Belgium, Christmas is celebrated with a mix of cultural and regional customs, blending both religious and secular elements. Belgian families often attend **midnight Mass** on Christmas Eve or a morning service on Christmas Day. Homes are beautifully decorated with **Christmas trees**, lights, and nativity scenes. A traditional Belgian Christmas meal typically includes **roast turkey, game meats, or seafood**, accompanied by sides like **stoemp** (mashed potatoes with vegetables) and **speculoos** (spiced cookies). Desserts such as **Yule log (Kerststronk)** and **cougnou** (a sweet bread shaped like baby Jesus) are also popular. Children eagerly await gifts from **Sinterklaas** (Saint Nicholas) on December 6th, but many also receive presents on Christmas Day. In some regions, **Père Noël** (Father Christmas) is believed to bring gifts. The holiday is filled with warmth, generosity, and a strong sense of community, making it a magical time of year in Belgium.