Creating Lasting Memories

Christmas is a time for family and friends. The traditions you create or pass down to your children now will create lasting memories for years to come. Here are a few of the traditional ways to celebreate Christmas Eve with your family.

Attend Church - Many churches hold special services on Christmas Eve to celebrate the birth of Christ. Bring your family to church to the special Christmas Eve service. Take this time to remember and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas or go on Christmas morning to really feel the true meaning of the holiday.

A Festive Home - Is your home in the Christmas spirit? Light cinnamon or sugar cookie scented candles throughout your home. Decorate with ribbons and bows. Make simple swags and table centerpieces with baskets of cinnamon scented, wax-dipped pinecones. Add single strands of clear bulb lights to your mantle. Simple touches create a warm, holiday environment for your family.

Visit Family - If you have family to visit, plan your trips for Christmas Eve. Bring your gifts to deliver to friends along the way. Many families travel during the holiday season, so remember to drive with caution.

Christmas Cooking - Get your family involved in the Christmas cooking. Make candy and cookies with your children. Have them roll the dough, or cut out the cookies, even young children can help. Christmas cooking is always a fun thing to do on Christmas Eve. You can make special cookies for Santa each year and start an annual tradition.

Christmas Walk – Bundle everyone up and go for a walk or drive around the neighborhood to look at the lights. Children love looking at Christmas lights and this will really set the festive mood for the holiday… and don’t forget the hot chocolate when you get back home!

Tell a Story – Set the mood for Christmas on Christmas Eve, gather everyone around your cozy living room, light the tree, serve some hot chocolate or eggnog with a few Christmas treats and tell a special Christmas story. You can tell the story of the meaning of Christmas or a story about Santa for younger children. You can even sit around and talk about the meaning of Christmas, the upcoming year or everything you have to be thankful for.

Watch Favorite Movies - Watch your families favorite movie. Depending on the age we have many here in our house. Some of the must have’s to watch in the Selby house are Elf, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (my personal fav), The Santa Clause: 3 Movie Collection (yep, all 3 of them get watched a lot here), and the old school fav and my husband’s absolute favorite…The Year Without a Santa Claus. We change the movies up, but you can bet we spend Christmas eve with atleast 2 movies.

Enjoy this special time with your family and remember that you’re creating lifelong memories for you and children… make it special.