What To Do On Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve offers a unique opportunity to relax with friends and family. Before the present-opening frenzy at 5am of Christmas morning and the turkey trials and tribulations of Christmas lunch, you can just make the most of hanging out together with games, craft and some baking. Not to mention getting ready for the big fella.
‘Twas The Night Before Christmas…
Every family has their own traditions when it comes to Christmas Eve and these evolve each and every year. Of course, some people head out to midnight mass but, for others, the celebrations begin at home. Whatever the tradition in your household, the most important thing is that you come together, relax and enjoy each other’s company.
Create a homely atmosphere with a Christmas-scented candle and fairy-lights, or cosy up for a bedtime story under a warm, festive blanket. Why not try your hand at Christmas cookie-making and rustle up a batch for everyone - including Santa, of course!
For most children, hanging their stocking is high on their list of priorities for Christmas Eve, and you might even be persuaded to let them open up “just one” present ahead of Christmas morning. Alternatively, you may have left present wrapping to the last-minute (we’ve all been there), so why not make it more cheerful than chore-ful by popping on some Christmas tunes and getting a helping hand from any willing volunteers. You can always repay them with mince pies. Talking of mince pies, many homes like to leave some out for Santa, along with carrots for his reindeer. They’ve got a lot of travelling to do after all.
What's a Christmas Eve Box?
Can't wait for the big day? We've got you. Christmas Eve boxes, usually containing small, inexpensive gifts, are given on the 24th December and have their origins in Germany. The idea is that they break up the anticipation of Christmas Day and make the magic last that little bit longer. They have become increasingly popular and part of the excitement is that the box contains little gifts, such as chocolates, games and books, that can easily be personalised.
Initially, Christmas Eve boxes were given to children in an attempt to quell their excitement ahead of Father Christmas’ imminent arrival but now the idea has seen growing popularity among adults too. Grown-up Christmas Eve boxes can contain small pieces of jewellery, favourite photos framed and Christmas jumpers that can be worn the next day. Of course, budgets are varied but often the idea is that the gifts are low-cost and under £10. The Christmas Eve box itself is usually decorated but it can be anything from a hand-decorated cardboard shoebox to an elaborate, personalised wooden chest. It’s up to you! Some of the things typically found in Christmas Eve boxes:
Wondering what to do on Christmas eve? Make the most of the time you have together with these festive activities:
1. Get craftingWhy not get creative with some Christmas crafts? You only need some scissors, card, ribbon and glitter to make some DIY Christmas decorations. Alternatively, if you’re after a bit more of a challenge, try a Christmas cross-stitch or pick up a festive knitting project!
Why not get creative with some Christmas crafts? You only need some scissors, card, ribbon and glitter to make some DIY Christmas decorations. Alternatively, if you’re after a bit more of a challenge, try a Christmas cross-stitch or pick up a festive knitting project!
2. Have a festive Bake OffEvery family has one member who loves boasting about their baking. Put their skills to the test with a family baking competition. Tasks could include Christmas cookies, gingerbread men and festive cupcakes. We’re sure you’ll have no trouble finding willing judges.
Every family has one member who loves boasting about their baking. Put their skills to the test with a family baking competition. Tasks could include Christmas cookies, gingerbread men and festive cupcakes. We’re sure you’ll have no trouble finding willing judges.
3. Get competitive Christmas is a great time to pit yourself against your family and, as well as in the kitchen, you can do this via a board or parlour game. From testing your trivia and talent shows to tower building and tune-naming, this is a great opportunity to bond as a family (and show them who’s the cleverest/quickest/most talented - it's you, of course).
4. Track SantaThe joys of modern technology mean that you can now follow Father Christmas’ progress online. There are lots of websites that find where he is in the world on Christmas night – just make sure the kids are in bed when he’s approaching you!
5. Give Secret Santa GiftsIf you’ve decided to do a family Secret Santa this year, why not open each other’s presents on Christmas Eve? Instead of getting swept up in the bustle of Christmas morning, this will give you the chance to really appreciate the thought that’s gone into choosing your present.
Every home has its own Christmas Eve rituals but sometimes it’s nice to add a few new traditions… even if that is beating your brother on the family general knowledge quiz. The most important thing is spending time with the people you care about and relaxing ahead of Christmas day itself.
Christmas is a great time to pit yourself against your family and, as well as in the kitchen, you can do this via a board or parlour game. From testing your trivia and talent shows to tower building and tune-naming, this is a great opportunity to bond as a family (and show them who’s the cleverest/quickest/most talented - it's you, of course).
4. Track SantaThe joys of modern technology mean that you can now follow Father Christmas’ progress online. There are lots of websites that find where he is in the world on Christmas night – just make sure the kids are in bed when he’s approaching you!
5. Give Secret Santa GiftsIf you’ve decided to do a family Secret Santa this year, why not open each other’s presents on Christmas Eve? Instead of getting swept up in the bustle of Christmas morning, this will give you the chance to really appreciate the thought that’s gone into choosing your present.
The joys of modern technology mean that you can now follow Father Christmas’ progress online. There are lots of websites that find where he is in the world on Christmas night – just make sure the kids are in bed when he’s approaching you!
5. Give Secret Santa GiftsIf you’ve decided to do a family Secret Santa this year, why not open each other’s presents on Christmas Eve? Instead of getting swept up in the bustle of Christmas morning, this will give you the chance to really appreciate the thought that’s gone into choosing your present.
If you’ve decided to do a family Secret Santa this year, why not open each other’s presents on Christmas Eve? Instead of getting swept up in the bustle of Christmas morning, this will give you the chance to really appreciate the thought that’s gone into choosing your present.
Every home has its own Christmas Eve rituals but sometimes it’s nice to add a few new traditions… even if that is beating your brother on the family general knowledge quiz. The most important thing is spending time with the people you care about and relaxing ahead of Christmas day itself.