Christmas Eve traditions for families with kids: 20 ideas

For many kids, Christmas Eve is the best part of the holidays: the waiting is almost over and everything feels possible. A few small traditions, repeated every year, turn that night into something your children will remember. Here are 20 ideas. Pick two or three; that's plenty.

Cozy traditions at home

1. A Christmas Eve box. New pajamas, a book, a mug for hot chocolate and a movie, all in one box opened after dinner.
2. Matching pajamas for the whole family, worn for the Christmas morning photos.
3. Hot chocolate bar with marshmallows, sprinkles and candy canes.
4. A Christmas movie night with blankets on the living room floor.
5. Read "The Night Before Christmas" (or your family's favorite story) just before bed.
6. Open one present each on Christmas Eve, usually something small.
7. Bake something simple together: sugar cookies, cinnamon rolls for the morning, or a cake for Christmas Day.

Santa traditions

8. Cookies and milk for Santa, plus carrots for the reindeer.
9. Reindeer food: oats and a pinch of sprinkles scattered on the lawn so the reindeer can find the house.
10. Track Santa's sleigh. NORAD Tracks Santa has followed Santa's route on Christmas Eve for decades; many families check his progress before bedtime.
11. A note from Santa left next to the empty plate, thanking your child for the cookies.
12. Talk to Santa. Some families make Christmas Eve the night of a call from Santa: he greets your child by name and reminds them it's time to sleep.
13. "Snowy" boot prints by the fireplace or the front door, made with a little flour.

Traditions that bring the family together

14. A walk to see the Christmas lights in your neighborhood, with a thermos of cocoa.
15. Christmas Eve service or carols, at church, at home or with neighbors.
16. A video call with grandparents or relatives who can't be there.
17. Write a "year in review" together: the best moment, the funniest moment, something you learned.
18. A special dinner: the same meal every year becomes part of the magic.
19. Give something away: drop off a donation, bake for a neighbor or make cards for a senior home.
20. A family photo by the tree, in the same spot every year, so you can watch the kids grow.

How to keep Christmas Eve calm

• Do the wrapping earlier. Christmas Eve is more fun when you are not up until 2 a.m. with tape.
• Keep dinner simple, or make it ahead.
• Plan a wind-down: bath, pajamas, story, lights out. Excited kids need a little help to fall asleep.
• Don't try to do everything. The tradition your kids will remember is the one you actually enjoy doing with them.

Christmas Eve is 59 days away. Choose your traditions now, and the night will take care of itself.