Tray Of Gingerbread

Christmas, really IS the most wonderful time of the year! To keep the magic alive right through until the much anticipated day, here are five fabulous (yet simple) Christmas Eve traditions that your family will love this year! They are an excellent preparation for a truly special day for your loved ones!

Carols by candlelight with your clan

Close the blinds, put on your Christmas tree lights, grab any candles you have handy and put on some good old fashioned Christmas carols. Gather your tribe around for a sing-along, whilst wrapping any last minute gifts for friends or extended family. There’s zero expense, but these precious memories are the kinds of things that money can’t buy. Revel in the magic of ‘family time’ while Christmas classics ring out through the summer night’s air! Tra la la la la…

Prepare some treats or snacks for Santa (and his reindeer)

Everyone knows Christmas Eve is an epic mission for Santa. This year, for some added Christmas cheer, prepare some treats for him and his reindeer in your home! These can be as elaborate or as simple as you wish. Even laying out carrot sticks and milk for the reindeer will do. For the sake of practicality, moderate your recipe in accordance with YOUR Santa’s tastes. We’ve heard direct from the North Pole that cookies go down a treat, so if you fancy some baking, you can make it into a great little activity for the family.

Decorate and put a sign out for Santa

Help the little ones in your life create, decorate and place a sign so that Santa knows exactly where to stop with any gifts! This activity may even afford you some extra time as you wrangle last-minute with the Christmas pudding, or even stuff the Turkey!

christmas-sign

Christmas Eve Crafts

Print off some Christmas colouring in sheets and fill a box with unused craft items. Tie it up with a Christmas bow and present it to the youngsters as a ‘wind down’ activity before bedtime. Paints, stickers, reindeers dust (glitter) as well as mini Christmas trees made from spray-painted pinecones are simple but effective ideas.

Hanging up the stockings with loving care, in the hope that Santa will soon be there!!

The hanging of the stockings is a simple but meaningful task. Remember to chat with your youngsters about the significance of Santa stopping for them. After all, they have spent a whole year working their way onto his “good list.” Combine this activity with a magical Christmas book before bed, and your little ones should be well and truly prepared for Santa’s imminent arrival.

Pile Of Presents

Don’t forget to take plenty of photographs (for precious keepsakes) of aforementioned preparations and activities, particularly as those little Christmas stars in your life shine bright. Most importantly though, have yourselves a very merry Christmas, with some superbly happy and healthy holidays to follow.

Naomi Fryers is a freelance writer and editor from Melbourne Australia.