10 Christmas Eve Traditions Your Family Will Love

Christmas Eve can be somewhat frenetic if you are the person in charge of making the magic happen on Christmas Day.

But in my experience it is well worth setting aside some time to spend as a family, bonding and sharing the excitement for the big day to come.

So, here are some popular and novel ideas for ways to bring the fun for all the family on Christmas Eve.

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These are simple things you can do to bring a little of the magic of Christmas Day itself to Christmas Eve.

Wonderful Traditions That Make The Day Before Christmas Extra Special

Dive into this list of ideas and choose which you will do with your family. I promise that these activities are the kind that kids will remember forever.

1. Decorate Christmas Cookies

Baking and decorating Christmas cookies is a delightful way to bring the whole family together.

Use a simple sugar cookie recipe to make the cookies in advance. Stock up on festive themed icing, sprinkles and candy decorations.

Of course the major plus of decorating cookies together is that you also get to eat them together…

…and you have a couple of cookies prepared and ready to leave out for Santa Claus.

Either take inspiration from this roundup of 20 Simple Christmas baking recipes kids can make with ease…

…or if you want to make life even easier, how about buying some Oreos and taking an idea from this roundup of Christmas Oreo decorating ideas (that’s proved super popular on Pinterest!)

2. Read Christmas Stories by the Fireplace

It’s likely you read to your kids most evenings when they get into bed.

But how about making it into more of a occasion by gathering the whole family around either the fireplace or by the Christmas tree and reading “The Night Before Christmas“?

This is a great way to calm over-excited children just ahead of tucking them up in bed to stay fast asleep so Santa Claus can do his thing uninterupted!!

3. Have a Special Christmas Movie Screening

Turn watching a movie on Christmas Eve into an extra special treat.

First up, go for an absolute Christmas classic, like Home Alone (or Home Alone 2) or Elf… in fact you can choose one from my Christmas Movie Bucket List.

Add extra throws, blankets and cushions to the couch or seating area to make it extra specially cosy.

Most importantly, load up on snacks and treats for everyone to munch on throughout the film

4. Sing Christmas Carols

Bring some festive cheer into your home by singing Christmas carols together.

Gather around the fireplace or Christmas tree. Pour everyone a festive drink, have Chistmas treats to share around.

You can find karaoke versions of popular carols online or simply sing along to your favorite holiday tunes. It’s easy to find the lyrics online if you aren’t too sure of them.

5. Prepare a Special Christmas Eve Dinner Together

Wonderful as Christmas is, it is also a lot of work for those who plan and prepare it.

A fabulous way of taking the load off of the shoulders of those who carry the responsibility for making Christmas special is to gather everyone together to prepare and cook a special Christmas Eve dinner.

Encourage older kids to come up with the menu and even shop for the ingredients.

Younger kids can set the table and create a festive tablescape.

Then everyone can sit down together to eat, chat and get excited about the Christmas Day to come.

6. Set Up a Hot Chocolate Station

Hot Chocolate Stations are HUGE at the moment.

So treat your kids to a spectacular Christmas Hot Chocolate Station, loaded with the toppings that dreams are made of, from squirty cream to sprinkles and marshmallows.

Oh and don’t forget candy canes!

Set out mugs and spoons and if you have one, use your slow cooker to batch prepare enough hot chocolate for everyone.

7. Go on a Christmas Neighbourhood Lights Tour

Take a walk or a drive around your neighbourhood to admire everyone’s Christmas lights and decorations.

You can make it even more fun by turning it into a scavenger hunt, looking for specific decorations like reindeer, snowmen, or a nativity scene.

This is a great way to enjoy the festive atmosphere and get some fresh air (which is great for helping everyone get a good night’s sleep).

8. Play Christmas-Themed Games

Spend the evening playing Christmas-themed games as a family.

You could play holiday Pictionary, Christmas charades, or a Christmas trivia game.

Speaking of which, I have a vintage style set of 22 Christmas games for all the family to enjoy in my online shop, Big Heart Little Star.

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9. Make Reindeer Food

Make some magical reindeer food to sprinkle outside for Santa’s reindeer.

I’ve put together a super easy recipe for Reindeer food, using biodegradable ingredients, that you can follow.

Take the kids outside to scatter the food on the grass or bag it up and leave it out next to Santa’s milk and cookies.

10. Set Out Milk and Cookies for Santa

Round off Christmas Eve by setting out a plate of cookies and a glass of milk for Santa.

Of course, if like me you are in the UK, you might want to treat him to a mince pie instead.

This cherished tradition brings so much joy to kids of all ages and naturally, it is important to ensure that Santa feels welcome in your home.

I really hope some of these ideas hit home for you and you and your family have the most wonderful Christmas.

Before you go…

I have a Christmas section that is positively bubbling over with festive inspiration. Pay it a visit to help get your holiday season groove on.

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