Christmas Eve ideas

[titsmcghee27]

I usually work Christmas Eve but this year I've got it off. I want to do something lovely with the dc (aged 8 and 6) but not sure what. Does anyone have any particular Christmas Eve traditions or ideas? So far I thought cinema for a festive film, lunch out, maybe do some baking and visit a few relatives. Anyone else??

DD and I always go for a walk in the countryside with my friend and her DDs. Gets us some fresh air and tires us all out! We usually get home just as it's getting dark then we wind down for the evening....that's the plan anyway! Sadly I think this could be the last year that DD believes (she's probably figured it out already but hasn't said...). She's 10

I think ours might involve a nice dog walk too! Just want to make it special as I don't often get to have it off and as you say they aren't little forever!

Maybe have something Christmasy for breakfast? Toast with holly or star shape pressed Into it, glitter sugar on the muffins. Probably lots of ideas for not expensive fun stuff in the likes of Sainsburys Magazine.

Local panto?

Decorate a gingerbread house. This isnever as much fun when youhave to do all the baking of the gingerbread house pieces… but after they came out with pre-baked gingerbread houses, we do one every year. When it’s finished, put a LED tea light inside.
Decorate a paper plate on which to leave a mince pie/cookie/whatever you leave out for Father Christmas.
Take a bag of old toys to the charity shop or some food to the local food bank.
For the last couple years, we’ve gone driving to look at Christmas lights late at night. It’s awesome! Take popcorn and hot chocolate in travel mugs, and have Christmas music playing in the car. It’s basically free entertainment for the kids, and it’s nice quiet family time where everyone is strapped down.

We go to the panto every Christmas eve. Then bake and watch a movie together in the evening.

We enjoy a early morning cinema trip then a walk in the afternoon before dinner.

I would find some great lights to go and look at - eg a National Trust house with lights in the gardens. In London we have Kew Gardens and they're amazing (though all sold out and I missed out this year!).

Lights with little ones is such a treat.

And if they're big enough, skating is also brilliant.