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Last Updated on December 23, 2021 by Yvette’s Treasures
Fun Filled Christmas Eve Traditions For Families
One can’t argue that Christmas eve is one of the most magical evenings in the year. The sun sets, the air becomes crisp and cool, and children are filled with glee as they anticipate Santa’s arrival. Christmas eve traditions for families are the best!
Growing up, my family would always have a special evening on Christmas eve where we would do things like watch movies together or play games until it was time to go to bed.
It sounds simple, but these fun Christmas eve traditions made our entire Christmas celebration feel extra special! Whether you’re hosting your own Christmas eve party or just looking for some inspiration for an evening filled with festive cheer, here are some ideas that will help make this night memorable!
What To Do On Christmas Eve?
There are so many wonderful Christmas eve traditions for families. Here are but a few to get your creative juices flowing. Have FUN!
Watch A Christmas Movie
The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without a good Christmas movie! Whether you’re looking to watch something heart-warming or just hilarious, there are plenty of great options.
One tradition that my family enjoyed was picking out a new Christmas movie each year and then watching it together at our big Christmas Eve party. Everyone would get dressed up in their holiday pajamas and we’d all gather around the TV to watch our movie.
Make Some Snow Globes
Another fun tradition is making your own snow globes to add a little bit of magic to the holiday season. All you need are some clear jars, wintery-themed glitter and objects that remind you of Christmas (like candy canes or tiny trees). Then just add in some water and glitter, seal the jar with glue , let it dry for a few hours and you’re all set!
Christmas Eve Nail Polish
If you want to get into the holiday spirit then why not try painting your nails? It’s an easy way to show off your festive cheer.
We recommend picking out three shades of nail polish that remind you of Christmas (red, green and gold are popular options) and then painting your nails with each shade. For an extra special touch we recommend adding on some sparkly glitter to make sure they stand out!
Christmas Eve Traditions For Families With Hot Cocoa
One of the best parts about winter is curling up with a cup of hot cocoa, so why not do it on Christmas eve? You can even invite some friends or family members over to enjoy this special treat together. Sweeten things up by adding in marshmallows and sprinkles for an extra festive touch!
Make Gingerbread Men
Nothing says Christmas like gingerbread, so why not try making some of your own? This is a super fun activity to do with kids or you can even invite other loved ones over for an afternoon of holiday cheer. Just follow the instructions on the back of the box to make sure they turn out perfectly. Then decorate them however you’d like.
Bake Tasty Christmas Cookies
Everyone loves to enjoy a delicious holiday cookie, so why not bake some with your family on Christmas eve?
There are tons of great recipes online that you can use or you can even try making them into different shapes like trees, stars and snowflakes for an extra touch of festivity. This is also a great way to get the kids involved in cooking so they can learn some valuable life skills.
Go Look At Christmas Lights
If you want to enjoy a festive activity with your loved ones then why not go look at Christmas lights together? All around your neighborhood, people are lighting up their homes and yards so that everyone can have a little bit of holiday cheer. Take some hot cocoa or coffee along for an extra cozy touch!
Christmas Sweaters
Whether you’re going to a Christmas Eve party or just want an excuse for some family photos, Christmas sweaters are always a great idea.
There’s no better way to show off your festive spirit than with these fun and comfy garments! You can even try finding one that represents your family’s interests like sports teams or TV shows for an extra special touch.
Write A Letter To Santa
Why not write a letter to Santa Claus on Christmas eve? Once you’re done with your letter be sure to put it in the mailbox before bedtime. You never know—Santa might come while you sleep!
Track Santa On Christmas Eve
Why not track Santa on your phone or computer? There are a number of different options that you can use to find out where he is and how much longer until his big arrival. The kids will be thrilled with this fun Christmas eve tradition.
Build A Gingerbread House
There’s nothing quite like a gingerbread house, so why not try building one this holiday season? This is another great activity to do with kids and we recommend watching some tutorials online first in case you need any help. Or follow this easy Gingerbread house recipe.
Spend Time With Loved Ones
The best part about Christmas eve traditions with family is being able to spend time with your loved ones! Take the time to enjoy a festive meal or just spend some time relaxing together by the fire.
Hang Up Your Christmas Stockings
Why not hang up your Christmas stockings before bedtime on Christmas eve? We recommend placing them near the fireplace or by a window so that Santa knows where to come.
Give A Christmas Eve Box To Someone
This is my favorite Christmas eve family tradition. Why not give a Christmas Eve box to someone special in your life? All you need is a box with any small gifts that they might enjoy. Then write a little note to let them know that you’re thinking of them on Christmas eve.
Christmas Eve Traditions For Families Sleigh Ride
Nothing says holiday fun like going out for a sleigh ride in the snow! You can even invite some friends along if they need transportation too. Just make sure to bundle up so you don’t get cold, and enjoy this festive activity together.
Go Carol Singing
Why not go carol singing with your loved ones on Christmas eve? You can even take along some bells in case you want to make it extra festive. It’s a great way to spread holiday cheer and capture the attention of everyone around!
Thoughts On Christmas Eve Traditions For Families
Christmas Eve wouldn’t be complete without traditions, so why not try some of these festive ones? Whether you’re looking for something to do on your own or with a big group, there’s plenty here that will get everyone in the holiday spirit.
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