Christmas is a day when the majority of the nation's largest retailers and restaurants keep their doors closed with few exceptions. Why it matters: Your options are limited Wednesday whether you need a last-minute gift,

People around the world are preparing to celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas Day on Tuesday, December 24 and Wednesday, December 25. The annual holiday will soon have children waiting all night for Santa Claus and his reindeer on Christmas Eve, before gathering with loved ones and opening presents the next morning on Christmas Day.

From retail to grocery chains, many companies across the U.S. close early on Christmas Eve and shut their doors entirely on Christmas Day — while others opt to cut back hours. WYATTE GRANTHAM-PHILIPS