Christmas Eve Traditions for Kids
Simple and Memorable Holiday Rituals for Children and Families
Make Christmas Eve as memorable as Christmas morning for the kids this year by starting some new traditions that focus on having fun and spending time with family.
Christmas Eve traditions are one aspect of the holidays many people look forward to. Whether it is a drive around town to admire holiday lights, seeing a seasonal performance, or watching a Christmas classic on television, most families have activities that they enjoy together every year. Some of these traditions, however, are more adult-centred and young kids especially find it hard to participate in their parents’ idyllic vision of what Christmas Eve should be. Here are some no-fuss Christmas Eve traditions that kids will enjoy and maybe the parents will be able to rekindle the Christmas kid in them too.
Eat a Take-Out Meal
Many families celebrate the holidays with wonderful feasts that are shared with others. Kids however, sometimes find these meals overwhelming and except for the treats on the dessert table, very little appeals to their appetite. Why not make it a family tradition to order in pizza or Thai food on Christmas Eve? Having a quiet meal at home that requires no preparation would be a nice treat for everyone and gives the much needed chance to connect with each other without all the distractions.
Make a Birthday Cake
For families who would like their young children to know the reason for the Christmas season, make a birthday cake for baby Jesus. Sing “Happy Birthday” and eat the cake for snack on Christmas Eve while someone reads a version of the Christmas bible story.
Make Reindeer Food
Before going to bed on Christmas Eve, have the kids put boots and coats on over their pajamas and head outside to spread reindeer food. Why should Santa be the only one getting snacks at each house? To prepare reindeer food, make small snack bags of oatmeal with a little bit of red glitter. The red glitter helps the reindeer find the food, especially if it is spread over snow.
Look Out for Santa
Children who are familiar with the internet might be interested in tracking Santa on his Christmas Eve travels using Santa Radar. Younger kids can watch for Santa by going outside and looking for Rudolph leading Santa’s sleigh with his red flashing nose in the sky (a.k.a. overhead planes and radio towers). Some children might even be interested in making Santa scopes earlier in the day to help with their search for Santa. Santa scopes can be easily made by taping two empty toilet paper rolls together and then painting them red. Children can also glue white cotton balls around the ends of the “scope” for a finishing touch.
Go to a Church Service
Every year, more places of worship are offering family friendly services in addition to traditional Christmas Eve services. Look for a service that is offered late in the afternoon or early evening and is catered to children. Consider attending an outdoor service or a Christmas pageant at a church not normally attended by your family.
Tour the Neighbourhood
Whether driving or walking, take a few minutes and enjoy the wonderful colours of the festive season. Be sure to have some spare change and canned goods on hand to offer as donations for displays that are set-up for fundraising efforts.
Christmas from Around the World
School age children may be interested in learning about Christmas celebrations from other cultures. Ask the kids to learn something about Christmas customs from another country and share it with each other over dinner or snack.
Watch a Christmas Classic
There are many great movies for families with Christmas themes such as A Muppet Christmas Carol, Elf, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and Home Alone. Find a holiday movie that everyone in the family enjoys and set time aside to watch it every Christmas Eve.
Christmas Eve is a magical time for kids of all ages and even though some traditions will remain unchanged over time, others will be altered, added or even forgotten. As with all traditions however, it is the memory of being together that is the most valuable holiday gift families can give each other.
