Ask random people what the Christmas Eve traditions are at their house and you’re likely to get a different response from each and every one. But that’s what makes it an interesting topic! They have become secular traditions in many households that people of all sorts of different faiths and backgrounds keep to, year after year.
We asked around and here are a few suggestions, if you’re looking to establish your own traditions:
A Christmas Eve Box
Santa is bringing gifts to be opened on Christmas morning, but the fun can be increased by creating an annual Christmas eve box. The box contains new PJs, a DVD that the whole family will enjoy, cocoa and marshmallows and bags of popcorn. Everything you need to make a cozy Christmas Eve night. Variations? The adult Christmas Eve box includes a favourite wine or other liqueur, in lieu of cocoa (or maybe to put IN the cocoa?) It could include other things but this is a PG rated post, so we’ll leave that to your own imagination!
Opening One Gift
If Santa came early to drop off all the gifts around the tree – of your household has passed the ‘Santa’ stage – then opening one gift is a fun tradition that helps to quell the eagerness to rip them all open. Maybe. We don’t guarantee that. It could also fuel the fire and suddenly your new tradition could be opening all the packages on Christmas Eve. Need some ideas for a gift that we really love?
Stockings!
Instead of opening a gift on Christmas Eve, why not let little kids and big kids alike open their stocking? It should be stuffed full of fun little items, a book, maybe a new toothbrush to deal with all the treats it also contains? Just a thought…
Sing a Little Tune
A little family caroling expedition through your neighbourhood might be in order. Just print out the words to a couple of songs, grab some flashlights, or even candles for the older ones and head on out. If belting out “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” isn’t your thing, perhaps a walk or a drive around the neighbourhood to take in all the glowing Christmas decorations?
Take Out Anyone?
With all the fuss and bother of Christmas lunch at this house and Christmas dinner at that house, a fun tradition is to make life easier for everyone and order take out for Christmas Eve. Plus, if you have Chinese food, you can read your fortune cookies over a glass of eggnog. What’s not to love about that?
Get Techy With Santa
Watch his trip around the world with a little help from NORAD. Just make sure you’re in bed by the time he gets to your ‘hood or you will be out of luck!
Time For a Little Gratitude
Ask your kids to place toys they no longer play with but that are in good condition in a bag by the tree – Santa will take it away to re-work them and give them to other kids who might not have as many! (Or parents will take them to a donation station or box after the holidays. Just make sure they’re well hidden in the meantime or the gig is up!)
Don’t Forget the Milk and Cookies!
It’s important to remember Santa in all of the hubbub. And his reindeer. So put out milk, cookies and a carrot or two for Rudolph. And parents? Don’t forget to take a bite out of everything: your kids will be amazed. Note to my kid: Remember that I’m lactose intolerant. Can I have a glass of Christmas white wine instead? Thanks.
Here’s to traditions new and old! Orion Dental offers a complete range of dental services, including regular checkups and cleanings, teeth whitening, conscious sedation dentistry,cosmetic dentistry and oral surgery. If you’re looking for a dentist in Milton or a dentist in Scarborough for the entire family, call us to book an appointment and let’s get started!
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