 Christmas Eve
Traditions & Ideas
Traditions are a big part of the holidays and Christmas Eve is no
exception. Every country has their own customs that make this a special
holiday. Children are excited and full of anticipation. This is their
favorite time of the year!
Nothing could be more perfect than a light dusting of snow falling on
Christmas Eve to bring on the holiday spirit. Even if you're not going to
have a white Christmas, there are many things you can do to set the
holiday mood.
Create a Holiday Environment
Enhance a cozy atmosphere with Christmas music and light some candles
to welcome your guests. If you have a scrooge in your family, bribe him
with some good food and shower him with love. He'll be sure to lighten up.
Whatever your traditions are, embrace them. They are part of your
heritage!
Worship
Church services are are often attended, particularly Midnight Mass. A
meaningful sermon this quiet time of the night brings the true meaning of
Christmas -- and why we are celebrating it. Seize this opportunity to take
comfort in Jesus and the special gift he has given to all mankind.
Prepare Christmas Eve Dinner
Many Christmas Eve meals in America traditionally are ham or fowl.
Because of the big meal planned for the holiday, some families like to
keep the meal light and serve soup and crackers. By and large, most have
the good ole sausage and cheese on hand for tasty snacks and appetizers.
Deck the Halls
With the commercialization of Christmas, this tradition is probably not
near as popular these days because most families have trimmed their tree
and put up decorations long before the holiday. For those running behind
schedule or want to keep the tradition, this is a perfect time to add the
finishing touches.
Deliver Christmas Gifts
Many people use this day to deliver gifts to friends and leave presents
for service providers such as mail carriers and newspaper delivery
personnel. With all of the activities planned for the holidays, some
families choose Christmas Eve night to exchange their gifts. A visit from
Santa will please the children and hopefully wear them out so they sleep
well -- with, of course, visions of sugarplums...
Donate Time to Charities
Many people find that going down to the local homeless shelter or soup
kitchen and helping out brings a warm feeling like no other. There is a
satisfaction to giving to the needy and it reminds us to be thankful for
the life we have and not to take it for granted.
Holiday Travel
For those who plan on traveling for the holidays, this is often the day
they begin their trip. Airports and highways are crowded with people
trying to get to their destination so they can spend Christmas with their
family or friends. If you're one of those, check out our
travel tips page
to make your trip easier.
Traditions for Children
Besides a visit from Santa, stockings are hung by the fireplace to
collect all of the goodies. It is customary to read children some
Christmas stories to complete their evening. The classic "The Night Before
Christmas" is by far, the most popular short story of all. Reading stories
in front of the fireplace with some hot chocolate will get the kids
settled down and ready for bed.
Make New Traditions
Old family customs are
nostalgic but sometimes not practical in this day and
age. Try mixing some old traditions with new ones. If
you want to be out and about on Christmas Eve, going
out to see a holiday movie or play will serve that
purpose and add some holiday cheer. Check in with the
personnel at a local nursing home to get an idea of what
residents will not have family in town. Pay them a
visit and give them a small, useful gift, all in the
spirit of Christmas.
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