Christmas Eve is an especially magical time filled with excitement and anticipation for Christmas Day. For Children it's an evening full of wonder and listening for reindeer hooves on the rooftop while trying not to fall asleep in order to not miss the chance of seeing Santa come down the chimney to deliver presents. It is a time of year that is filled with hope and joy for people of all ages, and something we look forward to and prepare for in order to give others the best Christmas ever, or simply to show someone that we value them. Christmas Eve can simply be a peaceful night, or it can be a part of your family's Christmas traditions. No matter which you prefer, we have a list of Christmas Eve activities that are sure to have something to fit everyone.
Hot Chocolate Station
Cozy up with a steaming cup hot chocolate from your very own hot chocolate station! We all love hot chocolate, especially around Christmastime. By setting up your very own hot chocolate station at home, you can create an easy and affordable way of making your own custom hot chocolate. This serves as both a fun family activity as well as a highlight of any holiday party. Hot chocolates are such a personal thing, and everyone has different preferences over what toppings they want, the flavor of hot chocolate, and even if you prefer water or milk as part of the making process. No matter what the reason, a hot chocolate bar is a wonderful way to make something special for family and friends. Topping ideas: marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, fresh ground nutmeg, candy cane, sprinkles, and espresso powder.
Decorating the Christmas Tree
Decorating the Christmas tree together is always a special tradition to get to experience with your family. Sometimes it can be hard to let go of control or to be okay with imperfection if you have young children who are excited to help you decorate the tree as well, but watching their eyes light up and faces be filled with joy are definitely more precious than any tree decorations.
Make Your Own Ornaments
Have you ever sat down with your loved ones and made your own special ornaments for your Christmas tree? Turn it into a family tradition or a holiday party, and invite everyone you know to come design their signature ornament for the year. All you need are simple Christmas ornament bulbs, glue, glitter, and to let your creative side run wild, and you will have plenty of designs to admire by the time you're finished.
Christmas Eve Pajamas
One of our favorite Christmas traditions is to each open one gift on Christmas Eve that contains cozy pajamas and then snuggle up together watching one of our favorite Christmas movies while sipping steaming cups of hot cocoa. There's nothing quite like curling up with loved ones in front of a roaring fire and having conversations filled with laughter in the glow of the Christmas tree. Don't forget to snap some photos of your family together in PJs!
Our Favorite Christmas Movies
We absolutely love Christmastime and all of the things that comes with it. Christmas movies are always a highlight of the season as the new, highly anticipated Hallmark movies are released and the Christmas classics return to be rewatched for another wonderful movie night. Some of our favorite Christmas movies include The Holiday, Home Alone, Holiday Engagement, The Christmas Prince, The Spirit of Christmas, The Princess Switch, A Christmas Kiss, 12 Dates of Christmas, Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer, A Charlie Brown Christmas, Christmas Vacation. Whether you're looking for Christmas classics or maybe even something new, our Christmas movie list is sure to have something for everyone!
Baking Christmas Cookies for Santa
It's almost impossible to forget to leave out milk and cookies for Santa and his reindeer on Christmas Eve. Gather the whole family together for a night of Christmas magic and fun as you bake your favorite cookie recipes and sing along to Christmas music. Be sure to bake a few extra cookies for some elves that may be helping Santa with his Christmas deliveries this year!
No matter how you decide to spend your Christmas Eve, we hope that you have a magical evening and are able to spend it with loved ones. Wishing you a merry Christmas from our family to yours!
~This blog was brought to you by S. Donnelly Interiors. Learn more about the interior design project process by following Stephanie Donnelly and her interior design services in Glen Ellyn, Illinois and the surrounding areas!
