Ideas for little things that might just make us a bit more Christmassy...?

[AnonEnormousStuffedBird]

We are pretty sorted - presents are bought and nearly wrapped. Food is mostly here, last few bits to pick up on Thursday.

Just the four of us this year, no rellies at all on the day. We have done a bit of downsized Christmas this year as living in a temporary place, so don't have most of our own stuff (in storage) and don't have very much room either.

Have tree up, decorations, fancy table cloth, fun napkins, party poppers, crackers. Plenty of nice drinks for adults and children (DC are 6 and 5 BTW). Lots of food, choccies and all that.

Just got some good news, for once, on something financial, so maybe I can just stretch things a bit.

What might you add to this that could be a surprise/bit of extra fun on Christmas Eve/Christmas Day? Obviously, something I can get/sort in 3 days!

Thanks

Buy a nice nativity set/book about the nativity?

A family visit to an open air ice rink? or decent santa experience near you? a late night (as in after 4pm in the dark) family visit to the cinema and then on to Starbucks for a hot chocolate or something?
Bit late to think of a new gift, so these are ideas for a new experience - could become a tradition.

Im starting the Pj tradition for my Dc this year.

I have bought them new Pj's, a stocking each and a christmassy DVD, all in a sparkly gift bag.

When they get out of the bath on xmas eve, my neighbour is going to knock the door and leave the bag on the doorstep. Im going to get Dd (6) to open the door so she will find the bag, the gift tag says that its from Santas elves!

I can't wait! I love xmas eve!

What nice ideas, this is just the sort of thing I would like.

New PJ's and a film is definitely doable by Friday.

We are, fingers crossed, off to the christmas cinema showing of something today.. weather permitting of course!

Thanks, this is very helpful.

I always have a little present on the dinner table, a little surprise wrapped up which will keep them amused and sitting at the table a bit longer, something like a small puzzle, mini crayons/book or little novelty game.

It has to be tiny though and I write names on so it is like a place setting.

We also do the pj present on Christmas eve and also a family game that we all play together after a visit to the children's crib service and pizza supper.This year we have rapidoh.

I always get the dcs to help set the table on Christmas eve too, as they are wanting to help then rather than Christmas day when they are busy with toys, it helps build the excitment and we then have informal breakfast in the kitchen.

I think it's all about preparing and traditions at that age - building up the excitment for the main event.

Could you go to a carol service or christmas eve mass (ours is at 5.00 so not quite midnight). i havent been to mass on christmas eve for years (or mass at all for that matter) but i want to start a tradition with DS which explains the true meaning of christmas. We always did this as children, then on the walk home we used to look for santa in the sky, even now i can remember actually 'seeing' him on his sleigh, i must have had a good imagination!