- 1). Follow the journey of the Holy Family. Southeast of Bethlehem's Basilica of the Nativity, you'll find a cave where Joseph and Mary are thought to have stayed before fleeing to Egypt.
- 2). Visit the grotto in Bethlehem (about 6 miles south of Jerusalem) where Jesus Christ is said to have been born. Look for the 14-point silver star on the floor that marks the spot of Christ's birth.
- 3). Explore Shepherd's Fields ("Beit Sahour") nearby. This is where the shepherds of the Nativity are said to have come from.
- 4). Attend Christmas Eve Mass at the Nativity Church. Some believe that a cave beneath this church, rather than a manger, was the actual birthplace of Jesus.
- 5). Understand that three separate Christmas Eve celebrations will take place in the Holy Land. One is for the Protestant and Catholic Churches; one for Greek Orthodox, Coptic and Syrian Churches; and the third for the Armenian Church.
- 6). Realize that all three religious services may take place under one roof, but will be held in different sections of the church and will be conducted in different languages.
- 7). Watch for the annual Christmas Eve procession, which enters the doors of the Nativity Church and places a figure of the Christ Child inside the church.
- 8). Prepare a turkey with pepper, cinnamon and nutmeg for lunch. Stuff it with rice, meat, pine nuts and almonds.
- 9). Open Christmas presents in the morning, before breakfast.
- 10
Attend church on Christmas Day, then visit with family and friends.
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