When you’re with family on Christmas Eve, it’s easy to get distracted by the hustle and bustle of last-minute shopping, running around town and cooking a big meal. But it’s also a great time to make some memories that will last a lifetime.
At Christmas, we’re surrounded by family and friends, and sometimes it can be hard to know how to spend time with them without getting caught up in all the busyness of the season. So here are some ideas for how to spend time with family on Christmas Eve:
Make cookies or other treats together
If you’re feeling ambitious and have an extra afternoon or two to spare, try making gingerbread cookies or another festive treat together. You can even take turns rolling out the dough and decorating them with sprinkles or icing. This is also a great way to get kids involved in the holiday spirit.
Play board games together
Board games are a tried-and-true way to bring the family together, so grab one from your closet (or borrow one from a friend) and see who wins.
Watch holiday movies together
Whether it’s Elf or Miracle on 34th Street (or something else), watching movies is always fun at Christmastime. Put on your favorite flick and curl up under a blanket with hot chocolate in hand.
Go to Church/Worship Service
One of the best ways to spend time with your loved ones is by going to church or another worship service. This will be a great way for you to remember what Christmas is all about and give thanks for all that you have in life. It will also help you bond with your family members as well as make them feel special on this special day.
Visit with your family
Take some time out to talk with them about their day and what they are looking forward to tomorrow. You can also ask them about their childhoods, get some stories from them and share some of yours.
Remember those who cannot be there with you
You may have family members who cannot be with you on Christmas Eve due to illness or other reasons. You may also think about friends who are far away from home this holiday season. You can call each other during this time or send them an email or text message so that they know that you are thinking about them during this special time of year.
Make traditions
If your family has certain traditions associated with Christmas Eve — like going to midnight mass or opening one gift before bed — then make sure everyone knows about them ahead of time so no one feels left out or disappointed when it comes time for the fun part. Even if your family doesn’t have any traditions yet, there are plenty of ways to start some new ones this year. Plan some games or activities that everyone can enjoy together; maybe play charades or another game where you have to act out words or phrases with your body rather than just saying them aloud.