December 24th, the day before Christmas Day, is called Christmas Eve. At this time, people complete all preparations ( 准备 ) for Christmas. Almost everyone starts a vacation ( 假日 ) of several days. (In recent times, people are often at home until the next working day after New Year’s Day.) It is a traditional ( 传统的 ) time for parties, and many work places, including ( 包括 ) shops and banks, close earlier than usual ( 通常 ). In the late evening, many people go to a church ( 教堂 ) service. It is called” midnight mass” ( 午夜弥撒 ). Children, on going to bed, traditionally hang ( 挂 ) up an old sock (stocking) at the head of their bed for Santa Claus ( 圣诞老人 ) to come and fill the stockings with presents ( 礼物 ) during the night. This role ( 角色 ) is actually played by the child’s parents.