December 24th Christmas Countdown
Christmas Eve Traditions – How We Celebrate Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve is here—the most magical night of the year! It’s that perfect mix of excitement, cozy vibes, and anticipation for the big day. Every family has their own way of celebrating, and it’s these traditions that make the holiday season so special. Whether your style is laid-back and intimate or full of festive chaos, Christmas Eve is all about creating memories.
Here’s how we celebrate Christmas Eve, along with some ideas to inspire your own traditions.
1. A Festive Family Dinner
We always start our Christmas Eve with a festive dinner that feels a bit more special than our everyday meals. Picture candlelight flickering, holiday music filling the air, and all our beloved family favorites laid out on the table. It's not about creating a perfect gourmet feast; it's about enjoying comfort food and cherishing the moments spent together. We usually gather around for a late dinner after the Christmas Eve service, and that’s when the real magic happens.
Dinner Ideas:
A baked ham or roast (but honestly, pizza works too!)
A potluck where everyone brings their best dish
Appetizers-only night with charcuterie boards, dips, and finger foods
💡 Idea: Make it a tradition to serve a signature Christmas Eve dish every year—like lasagna, tamales, or even pancakes if that’s your thing!
2. Watching Christmas Movies
After dinner, it’s movie time! We pile onto the couch with blankets, popcorn, and hot cocoa to watch a holiday classic. It’s the perfect way to relax and let the Christmas magic sink in.
Our Favorites:
Home Alone (because it never gets old)
The Polar Express (for all the cozy, nostalgic feels)
Elf (because laughing together is the best)
It’s a Wonderful Life (for when we’re feeling sentimental)
💡 Idea: Make it extra special by giving everyone new holiday pajamas to wear during movie time.
3. Opening One Gift
One of my favorite traditions is letting everyone open one gift on Christmas Eve. It’s usually something small—like pajamas, a book, or a fun game we can play together that night. It builds excitement for the next morning without spoiling the big surprises under the tree.
💡 Idea: Pair the gift with a little note about why it’s special or how it connects to the holiday.
4. Christmas Eve Activities for the Kids
Christmas Eve is pure magic for kids, so we like to keep them busy with fun, festive activities.
What We Do:
Decorate cookies for Santa (and sneak a few for ourselves).
Sprinkle “reindeer food” (oats and glitter) on the lawn.
Read ’Twas the Night Before Christmas before bedtime.
💡 Idea: Create a Christmas Eve box for each child with a mix of fun goodies—think holiday socks, a small toy, or a personalized note from Santa’s elves.
5. A Walk Under the Christmas Lights
Before bedtime, we bundle up and take a short walk to admire the neighborhood Christmas lights. There’s something so peaceful and magical about seeing houses glowing in the dark. It’s a quiet way to reflect on the beauty of the season.
💡 Idea: Bring along a thermos of hot cocoa or cider to make it extra cozy.
6. Tracking Santa
No Christmas Eve is complete without checking in on Santa’s progress! We love using the NORAD Santa Tracker to see where he’s flying around the world. The kids get so excited as they watch him get closer to our city.
💡 Idea: Make it a family tradition to “help” Santa by making sure everyone’s stockings are hung and the cookies and milk are ready to go.
7. A Quiet Moment by the Tree
After all the hustle and bustle, I like to sneak in a quiet moment by the Christmas tree before bed. There’s something so calming about sitting in the glow of the lights, reflecting on the day and everything I’m grateful for. It’s a little pocket of peace amidst the holiday chaos.
💡 Idea: Light a candle and write down one thing you’re thankful for this Christmas Eve. It’s a meaningful way to end the night.
8. Setting Out the Magic
Once the kids are asleep, it’s time for the grown-ups to play Santa! We double-check the gifts, fill the stockings, and sometimes even stage a few surprises—like a trail of cookie crumbs leading from the plate to the fireplace.
💡 Idea: Take a moment to snap a few photos of the setup—it’s fun to look back on the little details that made Christmas magical.
Making Christmas Eve Special
Whether your Christmas Eve is packed with traditions or simply a quiet evening at home, what matters most is the time spent with loved ones. It’s the little moments—laughing at a movie, sharing a meal, or reading a bedtime story—that turn into cherished memories for years to come.
What are your favorite Christmas Eve traditions? Share them in the comments—I’d love to hear how you celebrate! Merry Christmas Eve! 🎄✨
