45 Christmas Eve Traditions to Make Merry Memories With Your Family

The Christmas pickle tradition is a pretty big dill—especially for the kiddos! Here's how it works: you'll hide a pickle ornament in the tree on Christmas Eve, then in the morning, the kids will race to see who can find it first. The winner gets to unwrap the first present or receives a small extra prizes.

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You likely received a handful of cheerful Christmas cards this holiday season! So, carve out some time in your evening to go through them all. You'll be filled with joy at all the wonderful people you have in your life.

From classic games like charades and heads up to more unique contests like a hot chocolate marshmallow toss, your whole crew will have so much festive fun playing Christmas games together.

There's nothing cozier than a Christmas Eve bonfire! Grab some blankets, bundle up, then build a roaring fire for roasting marshmallows or even chestnuts. Don't forget the hot cocoa!

Dress up in your most festive outfits or grab some matching pajamas to pose in front of the camera! A family (or friend group) photoshoot will ensure you never forget your special celebrations. You might even use the best ones for next year's holiday cards.

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If you're leaving milk and cookies for Santa, be sure to leave a little snack for his reindeer, too! You can grab carrots or make special food for his flying sleigh team using oats, sprinkles, and (biodegradable) glitter!

Make a list of Christmas decorations (like a wreath, inflatable Santa, large nutcracker, and more) then go on a family walk around your neighborhood to see how many of the items you can check off.

Spend your Christmas Eve cozied around the fire with your family as you put together a festive puzzle (or play a seasonal board game)! Snacks and hot cocoa included, of course!

When Christmas Eve rolls around, it's time for your Scout Elf to head back to The North Pole. So, be sure to give them a proper sendoff before they join Santa on his journey!

If you're lucky enough to enjoy a white Christmas, spend the evening enjoying all the fun snow activities! You can go sledding, build a snowman, make snow angels or even go ice skating.

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Christmas Eve church services are an important holiday tradition for many people. It's the perfect time to come together with friends and family to reflect on the reason for the season!

You don't need to be Italian-American to celebrate this annual tradition, but it's been popular in the community for generations. You don't have to stick to the seven fish or seven dish rule either. The point is to celebrate with an abundance of seafood any way you'd like.

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, everyone sat down to read this classic tale... well, maybe not the mouse. It's the perfect time to get the family together for a few minutes of calm!

One of the most festive (and most delicious!) Christmas desserts is this tasty chocolate roll cake. Make it Christmas Eve to eat on Christmas day or dig in early. No one will complain either way!

Get the Yule Log cake recipe.

Especially if you've got little ones, Christmas Eve boxes are a great way to help calm the anticipation of the big day by allowing them to open a little something the day before.

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Listening to Christmas tunes throughout December is one of the best ways to get in the holiday spirit. Set up karaoke on YouTube or invest in a karaoke machine and host a night belting your favorite holiday tunes.

If you want sentimental heirlooms your grandkids can cherish during the holidays, start the tradition of making a DIY ornament each Christmas Eve. Eventually, you’ll have a collection for everyone to choose from.

After you've baked a few for your family to enjoy, make a plate of cookies for Santa. After the kids go to bed take a few bites out of the cookies so they'll have proof that Santa was really there!

Christmas Eve is a time to gather with family and feel gratitude for each other, and for the food and gifts that await. And what better way to express that gratitude than by raising your glass for a toast with your nearest and dearest?

This is one of the most romantic holiday traditions! Grab your sweetheart and share a smooch under the mistletoe to spread a little Christmastime love.

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