16 Christmas Eve traditions for the whole family to enjoy

1. Prepare milk and cookies for Santa

Santa works hard to deliver presents to all the children of the world. Why not thank him with some milk and cookies?

Christmas Eve traditions should be about spending time together as a family. And baking is the perfect way to do that. Check out the recipe for Santa’s favourite cookies and see what you can create!

2. Leave Santa a letter

If you’re leaving Santa milk and cookies on Christmas Eve, make it even more special by writing him a letter.

Santa will love receiving a thank you note from your little one. And it will guarantee your child a place on the nice list next year!

Plus, it gives your child a chance to practice their writing skills. You couldn’t ask for much more from a Christmas Eve tradition!

3. Hang up your Christmas stockings

Nothing says ‘Christmas’ like a Christmas stocking, right? So, our list of Christmas Eve traditions wouldn’t be complete without them!

Hanging your Christmas stocking on the fireplace makes a great Christmas tradition for families. You can spend quality time together, all while adding a touch of Christmas spirit to your home! 

4. Make your own reindeer food

We’ve already suggested baking Santa his favourite cookies (see idea number 1). But his reindeer deserve a special treat too.

Why not ditch the carrots and make something they’ll really love? Next on our list of Christmas Eve traditions – make your own reindeer food!

You can get creative and come up with your own ideas. Or, if you get stuck, check out our reindeer food recipe. Tried and tested by Reindeer Recruit!

5. Read a classic Christmas story

The best Christmas Eve traditions are suitable for all ages. That’s why we love this next idea – read a classic Christmas story!

There are so many out there, so you’re guaranteed to find something for everyone to enjoy.

Of course, you can’t go wrong with The Night Before Christmas! Send everyone off to bed with this classic Christmas tale.

6. Watch your favourite Christmas film

Next on our list of Christmas Eve traditions… watch your favourite Christmas film!

There’s nothing better than settling down to watch a film with the whole family. Get your festive pyjamas on and tuck into some sweet treats while you watch. You can’t go wrong with hot chocolate, whipped cream and marshmallows!

Stuck for ideas? Here are some of our favourite festive films:

• The Grinch
• Elf
• Home Alone
• The Polar Express
• The Santa Clause.

7. Bake some festive treats

If you’re still looking for Christmas Eve traditions, here’s another one for you! Prepare your Christmas Day feast by baking some festive treats.

Get the whole family involved by baking everyone’s favourites. There are so many super simple – and super delicious – recipes out there. So, no one has to miss out on the fun!

And this Christmas Eve tradition is perfect for making last minute gifts! After all, who doesn’t love a festive bake?

8. Make your own Christmas crafts

The best Christmas activities spark your imagination and unleash your creative side. That’s why our next Christmas Eve tradition is to make your own  !

Get the whole family involved and see what you can create. Maybe you’ll get an early start on next year’s decorations? Or perhaps you want to send a last-minute Christmas card? It doesn’t matter – just get crafting!

9. Produce a festive care package

We’ve already established that Christmas Eve traditions are about spending time together as a family. But they’re also a great way to help those in need!

For a Christmas Eve tradition that will teach your children the true meaning of Christmas, produce a festive care package. This is a great way to help those in need celebrate Christmas. And you can teach your little one the importance of helping others at the same time.

Give your festive care packages to family, friends or neighbours. Or donate to a local charity or shelter.

10. Wear matching pyjamas

Next on our list of Christmas Eve traditions – get the whole family a set of matching pyjamas!

There are plenty of options out there, so you’re sure to find something for your family. Take advantage of the opportunity to update your family photo. The photo will make the perfect Christmas card for the following year!

Don’t forget to include your furry friends in the festive fun! Why not buy the family pet a pair of Christmas pyjamas too?

11. Open an early Christmas present

Our next idea for a family Christmas Eve tradition is to have each family member open an early Christmas present.

Of course, you won’t have most of your gifts until Santa delivers them through the night. But you could always purchase one or two especially for this Christmas Eve tradition!

But remember, your Christmas Eve gifts should be small. You don’t want to overshadow the fun of Christmas Day!

12. Give Christmas Eve boxes

Still looking for Christmas Eve traditions? A great alternative to opening an early Christmas present is to give each family member a Christmas Eve box.

Not sure what a Christmas Eve box is? Basically, a Christmas Eve box is a festive box full of small, token gifts to be enjoyed on Christmas Eve.

You can buy a Christmas Eve box from the store. Or why not get crafty and make your own?

Your Christmas Eve box should be full of things that your little one can enjoy during your Christmas Eve traditions. Here’s what you could include in your Christmas Eve box:

• Christmas pyjamas
• Christmas books and stories
• Some festive treats
• Hot chocolate
• A mug
• Cosy socks.

13. Have a special Christmas Eve meal

Food is a huge part of Christmas Day… why should Christmas Eve be any different? For this next Christmas Eve tradition, why not prepare a special Christmas Eve meal for the whole family to enjoy?

We love this idea because you can do whatever you want! Indulge in your favourite fast-food takeaway. Show off your cooking skills and prepare a gourmet meal. Or have everyone muck in and put together a festive-themed buffet.

14. Play games

Christmas Eve traditions are the perfect way to spend time together as a family. Why not continue the festive fun by playing some classic party games?

Here are our favourite classic party games that your family can enjoy on Christmas Eve:

• Charades
• Monopoly
• Who am I?
• Guess who?
• Pictionary.

15. Track Santa

As Christmas Eve traditions go, it doesn’t get much better than this! Track Santa on his travels with an official Santa tracker!

Watch as Santa delivers gifts to every child in the world. See when he’s near your house and make sure the little ones are fast asleep!

16. Look at Christmas lights

Last, but certainly not least, on our list of Christmas Eve traditions, look at the Christmas lights in your neighbourhood!

There’s nothing more magical than a neighbourhood full of Christmas lights. Make the most of this Christmas Eve tradition by making some hot chocolate and cookies to enjoy on the walk. Or, if you’re driving, listen to your favourite Christmas songs as you look at the magical festive displays.

The Santa Academy app – coming 2022!

If you’ve enjoyed reading about our favourite Christmas Eve traditions, why not check out our Santa Academy app?

Coming Christmas 2022, the Santa Academy app is filled with festive fun for everyone to enjoy. No matter who you are, you’ll find something for you at Santa Academy!

Christmas is an extremely busy time for Santa, and he needs help getting ready for the big day. At Santa Academy, you’ll learn how to assist Santa and everyone on Lacus Island as they prepare for Christmas. And what better way to learn than with elves, fairies and reindeer?

Enrol into Elf Ed, Reindeer Recruit or Fairy Fellow for 24 days of festive fun. Each day during advent, you can unlock the secrets of Christmas by helping the elves, reindeers and fairies. You’ll make important decisions, like which sleigh Santa should use on Christmas Eve. Or who should win Employee of the Month at the Elf Station?

You can download the app from 1^st November 2022. School starts 1^st December 2022.

Keep up with Santa Academy!

You don’t have to wait until Christmas 2022 to have festive fun. Keep up with Santa Academy and follow the Lacus Herald, Lacus Island’s daily newspaper.

Find out what your favourite characters are getting up to or hear the latest news from Lacus Island. With the Lacus Herald, you’ll find a new Christmas story – every single day!

Find more fun, festive tips and ideas, such as:

• Easy Christmas crafts for kids
• Christmas printables
• Things to do near you for Christmas
• Christmas activity book ideas
• Christmas art ideas
• Christmas party ideas for kids
• Tips for helping kids to read
• Christmas baking for kids
• Christmas countdown ideas for your family
• Christmas writing ideas
• And many more!