(no subject)

[gategrrl]

This is going to sound pathetic, but I'm going to ask anyway. Tall Boy is wanting to celebrate with more family traditions. Now, the Guy is gone a LOT, and it's just me, and frankly, I'm not huge into the holidays. I never was one of those mothers who go all out for Christmas and decorating and baking cookies.

Now, I'm coming up blank for Christmas Eve traditions. I guess we could bake some cookies or something like that. What else is there to do?

Comments

[moonshayde.livejournal.com]

Maybe play a game together? Make some arts and crafts with some cookies are baking?

[forcryinoutloud.livejournal.com]

We've always had the tradition that, before Christmas Eve Mass, each of us gets to open one present. And we always watch a Christmas movie - usually Scrooge or It's A Wonderful Life.

We don't do a lot for Christmas Eve really, lots of running around and doing last minute stuff. But the one present thing and Christmas movie, we've been doing since I can remember.

You can start your own tradition. As Moonshayde above mentioned, there's games - maybe Christmas Eve family game night, or the cookie thing, or really whatever would interest all four of you.

[lovellama.livejournal.com]

We have a "special" buffet with cold cuts and shrimp, and watch A Christmas Story. That's the only time we watch that movie and the girls have said more than once this fall that they are looking forward to it. Then the girls put out cookies et al for Santa.

When I was little we would open one present each as when my mom was little, they would go to the cousins' house and open the presents from them. In my dad's family, Nana and Grandpa would put up the tree after the kids had gone to bed, a la Santa brought the tree. My dad would "grumble" about Mom wanting to put up the tree so early (usually 2 weeks before).

I would have Tall Boy think of/look around for some traditions that he wants to start. Don't let him put it all on you!

[ldyanne.livejournal.com]

We usually go to the Christmas Eve service at our church and then spend the evening together just talking (with Christmas music in the background) or watch a Christmas movie. Sometimes we'll finish up last minute wrapping and putting together presents along with Christmas treats if some sort. It's very gentle and peaceful and some of my best memories ever!

[polymexina.livejournal.com]

Baking is a good one. So's drinking something like eggnog, mulled cider, or mulled wine (this would probably be special to the kids if it's the only time they're allowed wine). Particular movies? Maybe Labrynth or Polar Express?

[polymexina.livejournal.com]

Oh, we wore Christmas clothes too.

[revena.livejournal.com]

We do the open one present thing in my family, and the present is always pajamas. Everyone gets new jammies for Christmas! And then you wear them that night and can hang out in your stylish pjs on Christmas morning.

We often watch a movie, too. Muppet Christmas Carol is a favorite, and sometimes we do White Christmas or another musical classic.

[khek.livejournal.com]

We go to church on Christmas Eve, then have dinner when we get home (usually the mass is at 5, so dinner is at 6:30ish) Then we all hang out and watch a movie. After that, everyone goes to wrap their presents for each other, and there's a lot of secretive whispering and running from room to room with tape and scissors, and yelling at people for walking in when they shouldn't.

After that, everyone can open one gift from their stocking. (usually something small and silly.)

[(Anonymous)]

Make a big batch of nuts-n-bolts, hot chocolate with marshmallows and pop in an xmas movie :)

Recipe here: http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/grandma-jensens-nuts-and-bolts/Detail.aspx we usually add dried pineapples and/or honeyroasted-peanuts to make it sweet and salty.

[whisper99.livejournal.com]

Make a big batch of nuts-n-bolts, hot chocolate with marshmallows and pop in an xmas movie :)

Recipe here: http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/grandma-jensens-nuts-and-bolts/Detail.aspx we usually add dried pineapples and/or honeyroasted-peanuts to make it sweet and salty.

[superbadgirl]

My family's tradition wouldn't work for yours - Christmas Eve is when we opened the gift exchange gifts. Then lasagna for dinner. But we had a billionty people, hence the drawing of names.

I can't recall ever making cookies with my mom.

[captain-tiv.livejournal.com]

We used to open up gifts on Christmas Eve night, so that night, we'd have hotdogs. Every Christmas Eve, that was our meal. :) They were quick, easy to clean up afterwards and we could get serious about opening our presents. *g*

Let's see... things to do on Christmas Eve to be a tradition...

1. Watch a particular movie/Go to the theater and see a movie
2. Go caroling
3. Fill some small stockings with stocking stuffers (something inexpensive) and give them out to the residents at an assisted living home or hospital
4. Make cookies or rice krispies treats
5. Make Christmas ornaments to be used for next year