Feeling the pressure to make Christmas Eve 'special'

[Mallowmarshmallow]

Just that really....

We're going carol singing at 4.30 but I'm not really sure what to do until then. DH is suggesting big things like trampolining but I really want us just to do something at home that feels a bit different to every other day. We've done gingerbread houses and I'd rather not just watch tv all day.....

Oh, and DS(6) has been up since about 4.00 and is looking a bit pale and sickly....

What are you all doing at home today that feels a bit Christmassy....?

We've had a slow start and pancakes for breakfast.

Showed DS his portable North Pole video of Santa with his name and photo in.

Now watching Back in Time for Christmas with DD whilst DS does lego.

I'm making turkey and cranberry burgers for lunch then we are all going out to the zoo, we have season passes and it's local so nice and easy. Train ride, parks etc. I'll stay for a little while as I need a sleep this afternoon (chronic illness).

Party tea for dinner at home (pizza slices, cheese, sausage rolls etc) and yule log.

Well Im at work while DH is entertaining the teenager. She is doing a sponsored swim at 12 (I hope to get home by then).

Would your DCs make cookies for Santa coming tonight? Or even get a packet of plain digestives and let them loose with icing and sprinkles?

Do they have any presents to wrap for each other, you and DH etc?

They probably "need" to tidy their rooms a little bit, ready for tonight - just making their beds and making sure their clothes and toys are tidy.

I agree about either Norad or Santa Update websites to see what is happening at the North Pole and in the skies.

They might like to colour in a festive picture, or do an activity sheet - websites like activity village, DLTK, Santa Update and various others have good free printables.

Santa Update also has christmas stories to read online or print off, which can be nice for a change. Especially if DC are up early and looking peaky, so needing some quiet time.

we are tidying ready for Santa then eating takeaway.

How do people have so much spare time on xmas eve that they dont know what else to do? you must be super organized, I do the shopping and everything early but there's always a mad rush to tidy.

My partner used to go to the kids nativity thingy at the local church and then have a bath and get into new pjs before having a takeaway.
I used to watch Christmassy films throughout the day and then get new pjs.
Now we live together and have a little one it'll be visiting family and friends, then homemade takeaway, pjs, Christmas book whilst drinking a hot chocolate and lights out for the little one. DP and I will then watch a film and sort out Santa sacks and stockings

I've been so stressed trying to make it feel xmassy!

Both my kids have woken feeling grumpy and coldy. So we started slow with some Christmas tv.

We have baked mince pies and stollen and will go to a fun family church service before devouring a spread of party food

I will then run around like a mad woman cleaning and prepping for tomorrow once they're in bed!!!

Thanks all. We did, indeed have a quiet day.
Took DS to the Dr to be diagnosed with an ear infection then he had a two hour sleep.
Woke up looking slightly better so we had a carpet picnic and watched polar express, then it wasn't long until we were out at the carol concert.

I hope you all had lovely relaxing days too.