Christmas Eve Traditions
Christmas Eve will be here soon. The memories of Christmas Eve Traditions, both old and new, are where the Christmas magic happens.
Today I am sharing my favorite Christmas Eve traditions. As you decorate the tree, bake cookies for Santa, or wrap gifts for your loved ones, think back to when you were a child and what made Christmas Eve traditions so magical.
Christmas Eve Traditions
It’s Day Twelve of Twelve Days to Get Ready for Christmas! I cannot believe it is the last day of this amazing journey.
My very amazing and talented friend KariAnne Wood at Thistlewood Farms and I have been sharing tips for twelve days to help get you ready for Christmas. We have had so many fun ideas to share!
Today we are sharing Day 12 – Christmas Eve Traditions
I wanted to pass on a special thank you for joining me these past twelve days. I hope I inspired you to get ready for the holidays.
My Favorite Christmas Eve Traditions
I am a bit crazy when it comes to traditions. So sharing Christmas Eve traditions is the perfect item to share today.
I would love it if you all would add some of your family Christmas Eve traditions in the comments. I would love to read about every single one and I am ready to add some more.
If you don’t know my friend KariAnne then you really need to follow her. KariAnne is kind, funny, smart, creative and one of the best writers I know. She also motivates me every day! Be sure to head on over to Karianne’s blog to read about 7 Christmas Eve Traditions to Start This Year.
Family Cook-A-Long for Christmas Eve Dinner
I love cooking in the kitchen with our family. A few years ago we started a tradition where we team up and each team cooks a course. We all cook together and it is so much fun. This evening is one of my favorites in the holiday season. And usually, it happens on Christmas Eve!
Gift Wrapping All Day
Our family has always wrapped gifts on Christmas Eve (day). I am hoping we can change that plan this year and start a tradition to do it earlier. But I won’t hold my breath!
Reading the Night Before Christmas
When the boys were really young, ages, 1, 2, and 3, Dave started reading “Twas the Night Before Christmas” every Christmas Eve. He still reads it every year! And the boys are now ages 30, 29, and 27.
How cute is that?
Making/Decorating Cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve
We always make homemade cookies for Santa and leave them out on Christmas Eve. One year I had a cookie cutter made in the shape of our home and decorated them with some royal icing. It is from Copypastry. Our kids are grown and we still do this. I love it so much!
Watch a Favorite Holiday Movie Together
I love having a special family movie that we can watch with our family. When I was growing up, my sisters and I loved watching “White Christmas” every year. I think I know every word of every song and most of the dialogue throughout the entire movie!
As hard as I have tried to get my boys to watch the movie “White Christmas”, they haven’t shown any interest. They like movies such as A Christmas Story and National Lampoon Christmas Vacation.
Open a Gift on Christmas Eve
Growing up, we always opened one gift on Christmas Eve. Usually, the gift was pajamas or a new robe. Do you open one or more gifts on Christmas Eve?
Take a Drive to See the Christmas Lights
The last tradition I am sharing is one we have enjoyed for many years. Every Christmas Eve we put on our pajamas, pile the dog in the car, and head out to St. Alban’s street to look at the Christmas lights. Now that we are a family of six, it’s a very tight squeeze in the car! We always put Christmas carols on the car radio and we have so much fun.
I hoped you have enjoyed our Family Christmas Eve Traditions. Now it’s your turn to share your traditions. Please leave them in the comments.
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I have put together some cozy favorites of mine for you for Christmas Eve. Whether you are putting out the milk and cookies and carrots for Santa and his reindeer, are curling up on the couch to read about Santa and his Christmas Eve adventure or to watch your favorite Christmas movie, I have gathered something for everyone for some Christmas Eve magic.
Christmas Eve Traditions
- Twas the Night Before Christmas is a classic that we read every Christmas Eve
- These super cute Christmas cookie platters are in my cart!
- How festive is this darling Merry Christmas platter? Not just for cookies!
- This cozy red blanket will be a favorite to curl up under.
- You can never have too many snacks for Santa and his team, this one is darling!
- Twas the Night Before Christmas with Hidden Pictures for the little ones that are wiggly while reading!
- The Polar Express is all about Christmas Eve magic!
- I love that this set comes with a plate for cookies, a carton for milk and a notepad to write Santa a note!
- Sherpa blankets are extra cozy and this buffalo check sherpa blanket is festive and cozy!
- This set has everything you need to make the cookies and put them out on Christmas Eve!
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas is one of my family’s favorites.
- In our family, we make sure to have a sherpa blanket for everyone. This tartan plaid sherpa blanket is in my cart!
- I have two of these knit sherpa blankets and they always seem to be the one’s everyone wants. Ths one is a crowd pleaser for sure!
I also summed up some of the gift guides I have included in this series!
Decorating a Farmhouse Christmas Tree
(click title for all of the gift guides)
- Mercury glass is so beautiful on a Christmas tree. I love this mercury glass garland!
- Kurt Adler makes vintage inspired ornaments and this set of 12 is one of my favorites!
- All of these beautiful jewel toned ornaments are so gorgeous and 25 glass ornaments for $30!
- How amazing is this vintage inspired glass garland?
- These whimsical striped glass balls are so sweet. A set of 9 for $15!
- These red and gold vintage inspired glass oranments are absolutely gorgeous!
- I love to swag a tree with garland and this cranberry wood bead garland is 9ft!
- Or if you want less color, you can use this natural wood bead garland that is 12ft.
- How sweet is this set of 4 glass ornaments? I think the bear is my favorite.
- 25 mercury glass ornaments for $25! You can’t beat that deal!
- This box vintage inspired ornaments is one of my favorites!
- This set of red, green and gold vintage inspired ornaments are so pretty!
- I love these green glass pinecones. This set of 12 is only $15!
- This Best Choice Products 6ft Pre-Lit Spruce has almost 5,000 positive reviews and under $135. Such a good choice!
- National Tree Company 6ft Pre-Lit Dunhill Fir is under $160!
- Want to put your own lights on the tree? This 6 ft unlit tree is under $100 and over 10,000 reviews!
- Pencil trees are perfect for tight corners. This 7.5ft flocked and pre-lit tree has 350 lights on it!
- I love the shape of this 7.5 Foot Pre-Lit Aspen Fir.
- This 6.5ft Carolina Pine is pre-lit and so full. A gorgeous tree that is flocked and has pinecones.
- Balsam Hill 6ft Pre-Lit Artificial Christmas Tree Classic Blue Spruce. Amazon Exclusive – get it here!
- Create a winter wonderland with this 7.5ft Pre-Lit Snow Flocked Christmas Pine Tree
- Have tall ceilings? This National Tree Carolina Pine tree is 7.5ft and pre-lit.
- This 3ft farmhouse tree comes with this farmhouse style box and can be tucked into a small spot or kitchen!
Stocking Stuffers for Christmas Morning
(click title for all of the gift guides)
- Both of these stockings for our kitty Kelly and our dog Sport are in my cart!
- How beautiful are these cable knit stockings in gorgeous cranberry and winter white?
- I am in love with this hand knit stocking with a vintage Santa, and it can be personalized!
- Gnomes are a big theme this year. If you love gnomes, you will love these whimsical gnome stockings.
- If your Christmas theme is more neutral, these natural burlap or ivory quilted stockings will blend in perfectly. And the can be personalized.
- How funny are these little gnome stockings? If you love gnomes, check these out!
- These sweet rustic stockings are perfect for a Farmhouse Christmas theme and are three stockings for $20! Yes please!
- These knit stockings are so festive and red and green. These would make great decor items at four 18″ stockings for $12.99.
- This hand knit stocking is so sweet with the nostalgic rocking horse and train on it.
- 745 positive ratings for this 8-pack of 20″ knit stockings for $27! I am ordering these for decor!
Make Ahead Christmas Sweets for the Dessert Table
(click title for all of the gift guides)
- Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat Cookbook is a NY Times #1 best seller!
- Jacobson Pinot Noir Salt is smply amazing! This is a gift every cook will love!
- Magnolia Table Cookbook Volume 2 by none other than the amazing Joanna Gaines
- Homemade with Love Labels to adorn all of the yummy homemade goodies from your kitchen
- This copper utensil caddy is really only $20!
- Serously the cutest salt and pepper cellar ever!
- This is the BEST milk frother I have tried and I have tried a few.
- Serious bakers use a food scale for exact measurements.
- This set of 3 mini cake stands are adorable!
- This electric burner can keep your morning coffee warm for hours.
- 6 latte mugs for under $25!
- A ruffled pie dish makes any pie very special.
‘Tis the Season of Giving Christmas Gifts Under $25
(click title for all of the gift guides)
Gifts Under $25 for the Decorator
- This round metal mirror can be hung on the wall or styled on a table and I love it!
- These woven planters fit into any decor
- How charming is this retro clock?
- I love the size and shape of this advertising pot!
- This pedestal bowl is so gorgeous and under $20!
- This beaded stoneware planter is so chic!
- How sweet is this footed pedestal bowl
- Pillow covers quickly change the look of any room
- Set of 3 brass candlesticks for under $25!
- I love to style shelves with english advertising pots.
Gifts Under $25 for the Entertainer
- I love mercury glass and this set of 3 ribbed candlesticks is an incredible value under $25.
- How sweet is this stemless wine glass with gold hearts?
- How stunning is this crystal ice bucket? And it really is under $25!
- Can you believe 5 crystal bud vases for $20?
- This book makes Wine Simple and approachable.
- 6 mason jars with fairy lights, such a great deal!
- These gold candlesticks elevate any table.
- Photo clip string lights make any event fun!
- This set of 4 faux wood chargers looks beautiful in any table setting.
- How pretty are these blush colored wine glasses?
- Six linen hemstitched napkins are beautiful and $22!
Holiday Gift Guides for Everyone You Know
(click title for all of the gift guides)
Gift Guide for your Pet
- Cats love this calming cat bed.
- Christmas dinner tastes better in a Christmas dish.
- 15,000 recommendations and 4 and a half stars for this cat toy!
- Dogs love to chase squirrels, this one they can catch!
- Every week can be shark week with this dog toy!
- This orthopedic dog bed has over 23,000 reviews aand is another four and a half star item!
- Cats LOVE this toy!
- This tunnel comes with a chaser toy.
- The Kong is a long time favorite.
- This Spode Christmas bowl and this Santa bowl are so festive.
I own 100% of these items. Which means they are good. I promise.
Gift Guide for the Crafter
- A basic sewing machine is a must for every crafter.
- This Brother emboridery machine is a power house.
- Fine crepe paper for making crepe paper flowers.
- The Cricut Maker 3 is the gold standard for crafters. This would make any crafter a happy camper.
- Lia Griffith is the queen of crepe paper flower making. This book is a must for anyone who wants to learn.
Be sure to head on over to KariAnne’s post titled 7 Christmas Eve Traditions to Start This Year.
If you missed any of my Twelve Days to Get Ready for Christmas, you can find them here:
- Day 1 – How to Shop for Holiday and Seasonal Decor
- Day 2 – Cranberry Christmas Theme
- Day 3 – Eleven Ways to Repurpose Least Year’s Christmas Decor
- Day 4 – Christmas Dishes and Table Decor Ideas
- Day 5 – Holiday Gift Guides for Everyone You Know
- Day 6 – Gift Wrapping Ideas
- Day 7 – Tis the Season of Giving Christmas Gifts Under $25
- Day 8 – 9 Gifts Handmade With Love
- Day 9 – Make Ahead Christmas Sweets for the Dessert Table
- Day 10 – Stocking Stuffers for Christmas Morning
- Day 11 – Decoratig a Farmhouse Christmas Tree
- Day 12 – Christmas Eve Traditions
You can also find KariAnne’s amazing blog posts here:
- Day 1 – What you Should be Christmas Shopping For Now
- Day 2 – How To Choose a Christmas Theme For Your Home
- Day 3 – 17 Ways to Make Last Year’s Christmas Decor Look New
- Day 4 – 7 Simple and Easy Christmas Centerpiece Ideas
- Day 5 – Gift Guides For Everyone On Your List
- Day 6 – 21 Easy DIY Christmas Gift Wrap Ideas
- Day 7 – 25 Personalized Christmas Gifts Under $25
- Day 8 – Handmade Holidays: Creative DIY Gift Ideas
- Day 9 – How to Make an Icebox Cake In a Jar
- Day 10 – 20 Unique Stocking Stuffers for Under $5
- Day 11 – 14 Creative Ideas for Your Christmas Tree
- Day 12 – 7 Christmas Eve Traditions to Start This Year
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We always had a fondue dinner- cheese and bread, oil and meats, and chocolate. When we were in jr.high, we started opening our gifts afterwards, one at a time. My uncle passed away the, so my mom had us celebrate Christmas Eve as she was flying out the next morning. The tradition stuck, so we always opened gifts Christmas Eve after that. We loved it- we could get a good night’s sleep and look over everything in the morning. When i was single, i had parties Christmas Eve- sometimes for 6 or 20! I made dinner, and we all had a great time. Now being married, we have a nice dinner and watch hallmark movies. My husband’s adult kids ( when here) come over Christmas Day at noon, play games, open gifts, eat dinner, and consume mass quantities of candy and popcorn!
Wow, these are all wonderful Christmas Eve traditions but it must make for a very busy day and night! I like to be a little more restful now that my kids are grown. We all still gather at our cottage where we have plenty of snow here in Canada. We go tobogganing down our hill and drink hot spiked cider by the outside fire. Then we gather inside for a big feast of Pasta Bolognese by the roaring fire and massive tall Xmas tree! We wear light up necklaces and hats and ugly Xmas sweaters. It’s always a wonderful way to celebrate with just our nuclear family in the woods!
Same thing at our house with White Christmas……hubby falls asleep, kiddos watched it when they were home but are in their own homes now….and I too can sing all the songs and know all the lines….but it’s so fun and it’s just not Christmas without it! Love reading your blog everyday, your button crafts were very inspiring!
Please share with me where you got your ribbon holder that is hanging in your craft room. Love it.
All these are great and beautiful ideas…but I see nothing about celebrating the real meaning of Christmas. That we celebrate the birth of the Christ child, who came to earth to offer salvation to all!
Christmas Eve – for years we have had the same meal – home made cabbage rolls, ham and perogies. Oftentimes we were wrapping gifts on Christmas Eve day as well, but as the kids are grown now, gifts are less and often too large to wrap! Up until 3 years ago, our kids always opened a gift on Christmas Eve as well, and it was always pajamas! That was a tradition I grew up with as well. Our kids are 34 and 30 with spouses of their own and this year they want to start their own traditions and one of them is to open gifts in their own home on Christmas morning. This makes me a little sad but I understand that things change and I don’t blame them. Covid started that last year…so we will see what this year looks like.
Love your blog! Not a Christmas Eve tradition, but a Christmas Day tradition — Since I was a child (and I am a senior now) we always sing Happy Birthday and have a special birthday cake for Baby Jesus. With all the excitement of Santa and Christmas it is a reminder of what the holiday is really all about