Family Christmas Eve Traditions

“...The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there…” - The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore

Perhaps the most popular Christmas Eve tradition is the hanging of stockings. Growing up, my family didn’t have a fireplace so ours were usually placed along the open railing of our stairway. Some years, they were arranged under the tree or around the breakfast table when we woke up.

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Photo from The Imagination Tree Blog[/caption]

After returning from the Christmas Eve service at church, we were allowed to open one present, a new set of pajamas from our grandparents. Anna, from The Imagination Tree, took this to

another level with a Christmas Eve Surprise Box. Check out her blog to see all the fun items she included in a package for her daughters to open on the morning of the 24th. I love how the pieces allow their family to celebrate all day long.

Now that I have my own family, we’ve tried to create a few new traditions. One that has worked well with our boys is a sledding expedition at a nearby park. Wouldn’t it be fun to return home to a special cup of Christmas cocoa like this one?

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Photo from Betty Crocker[/caption]

Last year a group of neighbors came around singing Christmas carols. While I was delighted with the old-fashioned fun of it, my son just stared in amazement. I guess no one has ever come to our door and burst into song!

What are your favorite Christmas Eve traditions? And who else had/has a home without a fireplace mantel? What is your favorite place to hang stockings?