As the Christmas season approaches, you might be wondering how you can make this Christmas a memorable one. Holidays come and go, and these are times that memories can be etched into our minds that will last a lifetime. The question then arises, “How can we make this Christmas one to remember?”
The answer really isn’t that complex. Creating Christmas Eve traditions will make a lasting impression on both you and your family for generations to come.
Family traditions are a great way of bringing the family together. A lot of activities and events that occur within a family can be forgotten. Although at the time, they were very fun and exciting. However, a family that establishes traditions in their home is also setting themselves up for fond memories and generational joys.
Here are seven heartwarming Christmas Eve traditions that will hopefully spark both your curiosity and your motivation to start your own.
1. Looking at Christmas lights
While the holiday season can be a hectic time of year and, as the day approaches, stress about being ready may arise. Making sure that you relax and take a drive around town could help bring things into perspective.
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How exciting it is to see children looking at Christmas lights. Their eyes open wide as smiles form on their face from ear to ear. Try hopping in the car together and taking a trip around town each Christmas Eve. You will be glad you did.
2. Opening a gift on Christmas Eve
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Opening gifts is fun for everyone. So why not open one on Christmas Eve too? Here is a great way to form a tradition that can be fun and memorable. Buy a gift that you can all use together, and open it on Christmas Eve. Something like a game, or activity, or kitchen item you can use that very night will prove to set you up for some great memories and unite the family each Christmas.
3. Putting out cookies and milk for Santa
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How about the classic tradition of putting out cookies and milk for Santa? The kids will really get into this one as they wake up in the morning and see cookie crumbs all over. I’m sure most of you parents out there won’t find it difficult to get rid of the cookies either.
4. Making Christmas cookies
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This tradition would fit well with the previous. Baking cookies throughout the year can bring the family together, so why not incorporate it into Christmas Eve? Several great Christmas cookie options exist, such as snickerdoodles, ginger snaps, and sugar cookies.
5. Attending a Christmas Eve candlelight service
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Many churches will hold a Christmas Eve candlelight service. This is a great way to bring in Christmas, the day of celebration. At these services, people who attend church regularly are there, along with many others who just go for that day. You do not need to feel awkward as a result but rather can easily join in the celebration.
6. Taking part in a Christmas Eve gathering
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Often on Christmas Day, parents and their children have a tendency to celebrate together. However, Christmas Eve can be a great time for your extended family such as grandparents, grandkids, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins to gather and see each other once again. It’s a great opportunity to give your gifts in person and will sure to forge some great memories.
7. Serving others in a nursing home or homeless shelter
It’s important to remember that Christmas is a time for giving. Receiving can be enjoyable, but let us not forget those that are less fortunate than ourselves.
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Nursing homes and homeless shelters are packed with people who may not have anyone visiting them this holiday season. Some of these individuals may not get any visitors at all.
If you are looking for a new and exciting way to celebrate this Christmas, try reaching out to others and see what impact it has on both you and your family.
This list should get you started on establishing a new tradition this holiday season. Maybe you read something that sounds like a great idea to implement in your home. Hopefully, it at least generated some thoughts and got your wheels spinning. When you create Christmas Eve traditions, you are establishing memories within your home that will last for years to come.
