It’s the most wonderful time of the year, Christmas is nearly here! Think feasting, family fun and presents. For many people, Christmas is a special and important holiday where core memories are created and cherished.
Having traditions is one way to add to the excitement of Christmas every year. Traditions are something children can come back to and they serve as reminders of the fun times that were had. They’re also a wonderful thing to be passed onto future children and grandchildren alike. Some may argue, however, that Christmas Eve is just as exciting as Christmas Day. Children are thrilled at the thought of Santa coming the next day and the presents they may receive. Incorporating some family traditions into Christmas Eve is a great way to build on this excitement. If this sounds like something you’re interested in, then just keep reading.
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Christmas Games
Creating fun traditions is a must for Christmas. And what’s more fun than games? A lot of children enjoy playing games and showing their competitive side, especially if it’s got a festive twist! It’s also a great way to spend time together as a family before the hustle and bustle of Christmas Day.
One great thing to plan every Christmas Eve is a Christmas quiz. You can change up the questions each time and it’s something your children can look forward to every year. You could even have a prize for the winner and a consequence for the loser! Or, playing a specific Christmas game as a family is also a wonderful way to spend Christmas Eve, such as Christmas-themed charades or a Christmas “What Am I” guessing game.
Starting a tradition of receiving a Christmas Eve box can be so special. Particularly for children, it’s the final countdown to the big day itself. However, Christmas Eve boxes don’t need to be expensive. They can contain a variety of cheaper or homemade gifts and treats instead. Some ideas for a gift box could include:
- Christmas socks
- Homemade chocolate bark
- Christmas pyjamas
- Homemade Christmas tree ornament
- Bath bomb (homemade or not)
- Certificate from Santa for being on the nice list
Really, you can fill a Christmas Eve box with anything you think your child might like, these are just a few suggestions.
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Watching a Christmas Film
Settling down and watching a film is a cosy and relaxing tradition to look forward to. Children can enjoy quoting their favourite characters and it’s also a great way to unwind before bedtime! Films, and especially the music in them, can be really nostalgic and something that reminds children of their childhood as they grow up. You can either choose a particular festive film that you watch as a family every year or you can change it up each year. If you wanted to add a little bit of fun, you could always play Christmas movie bingo whilst enjoying your Christmas film. Some Christmas film suggestions could be:
- Elf
- The Grinch
- Home Alone (1,2 and 3)
- The Polar Express (great for younger children)
- Christmas With The Kranks
- Arthur Christmas
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Christmas Baking
Having a go-to Christmas recipe every year is a tasty tradition to uphold. The process of baking with your child is a wonderful way to bond and you can also play a Christmas film in the background or have some Christmas music playing to add to that festive feeling. It’s also something that family and friends can look forward to eating when they come round for Christmas celebrations. There are lots of festive recipes you can choose from such as simple ginger reindeer biscuits or Christmas tree brownies for the chocolate lovers. Your little ones will hopefully love eating their bakes and licking the bowl clean!
If you’re a parent celebrating their child’s first Christmas, these my first Christmas recipes mean you can create this special tradition from a young age.
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Laying Out Santa’s Snacks
The tradition that most children become excited about, is laying out Santa and his reindeers snacks. For a lot of children, laying out food for the busy Santa cements the idea of him delivering their presents and being in their house, which is and exciting prospect! It’s a tradition that they will likely hold dear and continue to do whilst the magic lasts. Encouraging your child to choose a snack that they think Santa and his reindeer might like is a great way to engage them and make them feel part of the magic. Some snack suggestions could be mince pies, Bakewell tarts, a carrot or a celery stick (for the reindeer, of course).
Encouraging your children to lay out the snacks on a plate or placemat will hopefully bring them some enjoyment and grow their excitement.
You’ve reached the end of the blog, but we hope you enjoyed our Christmas Eve traditions and we hope you have a wonderful Christmas creating memories.
