On Christmas Eve, Santa Clause kept his yearly tradition by visiting several families from Ghajnsielem. Santa delivered gifts and brought happiness to many young children. Santa’s voyage started at 3pm and finished around 6pm - just in time for the families to make it to the Christmas Eve Procession with the statue of the Infant Jesus, and with the participation of the St Joseph Band.

This year, for the first time, the procession started from Hamri Street, ending in the main square. This procession was organised by the Christian Doctrine Society (Museum) and is a tradition first started by Museum founder, San Gorg Preca. The first procession was held in 1921.

Another Maltese Christmas tradition is the Midnight Mass where a boy or a girl, normally aged 7 to 10 years old, does the preaching of the sermon instead of the priest. This is known in Maltese as the ‘Priedka tat-Tifel’ which means ‘the preaching of the child’. The High Mass started with the procession of baby Jesus accompanied by the popular hymn Adeste Fidelis. This year, it was Christian Dingli's turn to deliver the 'Priedka tal-Milied'.

Afterwards, an Agape feast was held at the Parish Center. Many Ghajnslemizi brought cakes, sweets and Christmas logs with them to share with all those present! Others decided to celebrate the rest of the night out with their family and friends in a winebar or cafe'.

While many decided to spend Christmas morning at the club exchanging greetings with their friends and enjoying a Christmas drink, others spent Christmas Day at home together with their loved ones opening gifts and preparing the traditional Christmas dinner.
 

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