7 Christmas Eve Traditions to Adopt This Holiday Season
Christmastime is a magical holiday season meant to be spent with the ones we love the most making memories to treasure forever. Reflecting upon my own childhood, it is the Christmas traditions that stand out most among the holidays. And so, when I had a child of my own, establishing some memorable traditions became a priority.
Letter to Santa
If your young one hasn’t already, Christmas Eve is the perfect time to write Santa a letter. Along with milk, cookies, and carrots or other vegetation for the reindeer, a letter to Santa sits next to our tree awaiting his arrival. At our house, part of the appeal in leaving Santa a Christmas Eve letter is that he will often write a quick note back!
Gingerbread House
Crafting a gingerbread house masterpiece is a fun holiday activity that engages the whole family. Each year we have enjoyed working together to construct and decorate a work of art to impress Santa. Find this fun Super Mario castle here.
Take in Christmas Lights
Whether you drive to a local neighborhood or find a drive-through display, taking in the magic of Christmas lights or a nativity scene on Christmas Eve is a highlight for many. Bundle up the family, make some hot cocoa or hot cider to go, and bring along some fresh-baked cookies to enjoy. If you’re feeling festive, crank up the radio and sing along to your favorite tunes!
Reindeer Dust
On Christmas Eve we make a fresh batch of reindeer dust and sprinkle it outside. It combines a bit of magic and sparkle to attract the reindeer to your house. Mix a few oats, candy sprinkles (yes, what you put on ice cream or a cupcake), and glitter. Scatter this mixture outside and bring Santa’s reindeer to your house tonight!
PJs and a Movie
A pair of Christmas PJs and a movie is a favorite cozy and snuggly tradition. I’ve heard of several variations on this tradition from full matching PJs for the whole family to just PJs for the kiddo(s), and an annual classic or a new favorite movie to watch together. Pop some popcorn and curl up under the blankets for a low-key yet memorable tradition.
Read Peanuts: A Charlie Brown Christmas
Or any other beloved Christmas story! Twas the Night Before Christmas, The Christmas Story, How the Grinch Stole Christmas and so many more wonderful holiday stories have their place in the hearts and minds of those who love them. Christmas Eve is the perfect time to enjoy story time with a cherished classic.
Flour Footprints
Once the kiddo(s) has gone to bed for the night, while Santa’s cookies are being eaten and gifts carefully arranged under the tree, add one final touch of Christmas magic to signify that Santa has been there – flour footprints. Growing up in my childhood home, Santa always left a trail of footprints from the fireplace to the Christmas tree and the discovery of these festive feet on Christmas morning was great fun! So far, carrying on this tradition for my son has been a hit and I have loved giving him the opportunity to make the same memories I did as a child.
Happy Holidays! Warm wishes from my family to yours for a memorable season with loved ones.
