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Philly Church Continues Christmas Eve Tradition Spanning Hundreds Of Years

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - One of the oldest churches in the country held a Christmas Eve service where the kids take center stage to let everyone know the true meaning of the holiday.

Father Timothy Safford at Christ Church in Old City says the Christmas Eve service is a tradition they've held at there for hundreds of years, and he wants to make sure people attending the service know Christmas is a story of joy and peace for the whole world, not just Christians:

"It's a church service dedicated to children and Christmas. They have a do it yourself pageant. All the kids are getting dressed up as kings and queens or shepherds or stars."

Sophia is one of the children who took part in the celebration. She says she tries to be selfless year round, but during the Christmas season she tries to be more mindful about it:

"For me it means giving back, so I like to give presents rather than receive."

Other kid's participating in the service shared with KYW Newsradio something different they enjoy most about Christmas:

"Getting presents."

"I get to see the whole family together."

"It's a holiday where you should really think about giving back."

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