6 Christmas Eve customs for a memorable family holiday

If you and your family find yourselves in a Christmas Eve rut, try these simple and fun seasonal traditions to ring in the holiday evening.

There are thousands of Christmas-themed books that are the perfect addition to any Christmas Eve celebration. Make it an annual custom to read a Christmas book with your family while everyone sips on hot cocoa and nibbles on delicious holiday cookies. Read the same book every year to make this tradition even more memorable.

If your family is religious, attending a Christmas Eve service or mass can become a meaningful custom that your family will love. Many churches have candlelight services that retell the Christmas story in a fun way, with carols, skits, prayers and other religious customs that add extra meaning to the holiday.

If your family likes to sing, door-to-door carolling can be a fun Christmas Eve practice. Bring along Christmas treats and hot cocoa, and bundle up to keep this activity fun. Pass out baked goods at each house you visit to spread Christmas cheer with food and music.

If Christmas Eve is clear of inclement weather, try driving, walking or biking around the neighbourhood to appreciate Christmas lights. Twinkling lights set against a snowy backdrop add an extra element of holiday magic that will please kids and adults alike. Sing your favourite songs as you tour the festive houses or play your favourite Christmas albums.

If children cannot wait to open presents, try distracting them Christmas Eve by watching a Christmas-themed movie. A Christmas Story andIt's a Wonderful Life are two standards, but there are hundreds of other movies to choose from, so it's not hard to find a film that will soon become a family favourite. Make the night even more memorable by serving savoury and sweetChristmas treats.

One of the highlights of Christmas is opening presents while wearing pyjamas. Extend the fun to the night before by buying or making matching pyjamas for everyone to wear. Not only will Christmas Eve feel more special, but your Christmas photos will look better, too.

With a little forethought and dedication, it's possible to start Christmas Eve traditions the family will look forward to as much as the big day itself.