Christmas Eve... always Christmas Eve.... it's what I did as a kid... it's what my parents did as kids... it's what their families did... etc.
Is this a German thing? I think my hubby did it on Christmas Eve, too... I don't know, now.... I'm going to have to ask him.
As a child, Christmas Eve was also so hectic... we go to the 7:00 pm church service... get home at 8... open presents in 10-15 min before we get into the car and race to my grandparent's house at the farm. Then Christmas Day, it was more quiet... got to my great aunts on my mom's side (Dad usually always worked)... so it was my mom, grandpa, great aunt and me... my great aunt was an amazing cook and would make all my favorite meals... I really miss her and my grandfather...
Now, we celebrate my side on Christmas eve - church, dinner, gifts (hubby, Jake and I will open up Christmas eve afternoon)... and then Christmas Day is my hubby's side...