I love a good tradition, especially around the holidays. This year, we're starting a new tradition with our three girls that we think will be a hit with them for years to come. For them, it's a special gift just for Christmas Eve, but for us, it's extra quality time with them while they are still young.
Christmas Eve traditions have become popular over the last few years. If you're looking for a new, fun holiday tradition, a special Christmas Eve one might be perfect for your family.
1. New PJs
A great Christmas Eve tradition is to give your children a new pair of pajamas to wear to bed as they wait for Santa to arrive. The warmer and cozier the better. You can get them matching sets, sets with slippers, or sets featuring their current favorite character. When everyone is in their new PJs, sit them in front of the Christmas tree for a group picture.
2. The Movie Box
Each Christmas Eve, make a special box for each child featuring a new movie, a new set of PJs, and a fun movie snack like popcorn and hot chocolate. Then snuggle up together on the couch for a movie marathon and yummy treat.
3. A New Book
Give each child a new book on Christmas Eve that you can read together before bed. It's the most exciting night of the year for children, so why not make it even more fun by reading a new adventure together? Kick it up a notch with some new PJs and a delicious snack.
4. Cookie Baking Party
Christmas Eve is the perfect day on which to bake cookies — lots and lots of cookies. You can make some for Santa, some for the Reindeer, some to give as gifts, and some for yourselves, of course.
5. Midnight Mass
Head to church on Christmas Eve rather than Christmas Day. You can celebrate together and not have to get out of your PJs on Christmas morning. After church, you can read the nativity story from the Bible for a bedtime story.
6. Take a Drive
Get the kids tucked into their warmest PJs and pile everyone in the car. Drive around town taking in all the beautiful Christmas lights while listening to Christmas music.
We only get 18 or so Christmas Eves with our children before they are grown up and on their own. And only a handful of those include the belief in Santa Clause. Enjoy it and celebrate the holidays to the fullest with traditions that your children will want to share with their children!
