In the largely Roman Catholic nation of Malta, Christmas Day is a significant national holiday filled with traditions and festivities. The Maltese people prepare for this day by commencing their celebrations from early December, with decorations lighting up the streets and homes. Churches are adorned with lights, nativity scenes (known as 'Presepju'), Christmas trees and Poinsettias. The celebration of the Advent also takes place, and is marked by the use of Advent calendars and wreaths, as Maltese families count down the days to Christmas Day.
On Christmas Day in Malta, it is traditional for the family to attend a Midnight Mass. A standout feature of this Mass is the sermon, which is traditionally delivered by a boy rather than the priest. The sermon relates the story of the birth of Jesus, delivering a message of love, peace, and goodwill. The Mass is followed by a family meal, generally consisting of traditional Maltese food. Families gather together to share this special meal in honour of the festive season.
The Maltese have a unique tradition called 'il-Milied', which involves children receiving presents from 'Ninu', a figure similar to Santa Claus. Presents are usually found under the Christmas tree on Christmas morning. Throughout the day, streets are usually quiet as most people prefer to spend the day with their families. In recent years, there have been parades and concerts organised in the city centres. Overall, Christmas Day in Malta, apart from being a religious celebration, is a time for family bonding, eating good food, and exchanging presents.