Christmas Eve holds a special place in my heart. Growing up in Italy, it was almost important as Christmas Day itself, especially in the South, where families gather for grand feasts centered around seafood. But beyond the food and festivities, there was always an air of mystery and magic – the anticipation of Santa Claus, the rituals to welcome him, and the joy of being together.
As a child, Christmas Eve was a night of wonder. I remember eagerly following all the “rules” to ensure Santa would leave something under the tree. The excitement built as we attended midnight Mass and rushed home afterward, hoping to catch a glimpse of Santa but never succeeding. That sense of enchantment has stayed with me, even as I have grown older and started my own family. Over the years, I have discovered ways to make Christmas Eve even more magical, especially since having children. While my kids are older now and some of the magic has inevitably faded, we have held on to traditions that keep the spirit alive.
Here are the little things we do to make Christmas Eve unforgettable
1. A special treat for Santa and his reindeer
One of our most cherished rituals is preparing a little feast for Santa and his reindeer. Growing up, my family left a glass of wine and some carrots, but my kids preferred milk and cookies for Santa and a few carefully chosen carrots for the reindeer. I’ll never forget their enthusiasm as they set up an inviting corner with a handwritten note for Santa and a kind message for his reindeer. Watching their faces light up as they prepared this was truly magical.
Even though they are older now, we still do it – not just for tradition but for the warm memories it brings back.
2. Christmas movie night
Every Christmas Eve, we pick a movie to watch as a family. Home Alone is often our go-to, though sometimes we mix it up with other classics like The Polar Express or Elf. There is something about sitting together in the glow of the Christmas tree, munching on popcorn, and laughing at the same familiar scenes that makes the evening feel so cozy.
These moments remind me that it is not just the big events but the small, shared experiences that create lasting memories.
3. Hot chocolate by the fire
Since moving to Arizona, we have made good use of our fireplace. On Christmas Eve, we gather around it with steaming mugs of hot chocolate, complete with whipped cream and marshmallows. The tree lights twinkle, Christmas music plays softly in the background, and we sit together, sipping and chatting.
It is a simple ritual, but one that brings a sense of togetherness and peace amid the holiday bustle.
4. The magic of scent
For me, scents are deeply tied to memories, and a simmer pot has become a Christmas Eve staple in our home. Throughout the day, I simmer a pot filled with oranges, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and cranberries. The warm, festive aroma fills the house, adding another layer of magic to the day.
It is a small touch that transforms the atmosphere and makes everything feel cozier.
5. Gift wrapping together
One tradition Pietro and I cherish is wrapping gifts for the kids together on Christmas Eve, once they have gone to bed. When they were younger, there were always more gifts, many of them small and intricate, which made the wrapping process feel like an event in itself. Now that they are older and often request specific things, there is less to wrap, but the ritual remains. I prepare the gifts, Pietro wraps them, and I write the names and add ribbons.
It is a quiet, shared moment where we talk, laugh, and enjoy each other’s company. It is become one of my favorite parts of the evening.
6. A walk through the lights
Another highlight of our Christmas Eve is taking a walk around our neighborhood to admire the decorations. Here in Arizona, many houses go all out with lights and displays. One of our neighbors even synchronizes his lights to music you can tune into on your car radio. Every year, he adds something new, and it is become a must-see for everyone in the area.
Walking through the neighborhood, marveling at the creativity and effort, always fills us with a sense of wonder.
7. Attending Christmas Eve mass
As a child, attending midnight mass was a cornerstone of our Christmas celebrations. It added a spiritual dimension to the night and made it feel even more special. In England, we continued this tradition, though it often included nativity plays where our children took part as shepherds, angels, or even Mary.
These moments were not only touching but also a wonderful way to reflect on the deeper meaning of the holiday.
8. The soundtrack of Christmas
Christmas music is the backdrop to everything we do during the holiday season. Starting from mid-December, it is a constant presence in our home, car, and any activity we do. On Christmas Eve, it is especially important.
From classics like Bing Crosby’s White Christmas to more modern tunes, the music sets the tone and keeps the festive spirit alive.
9. Making Christmas origami
One of the activities I have been thinking about starting this year is making Christmas origami. Although we’ve never tried it before, I imagine it could become a beautiful new tradition. The idea of sitting together as a family, folding colorful paper into festive shapes like stars, trees, angels, or tiny gift boxes, feels so heartwarming and creative. We could use Christmas-themed paper to make them extra special and then hang these handmade decorations around the house or attach them to gifts as a personal touch.
There is something magical about crafting with your hands, and I feel like this could be a relaxing, bonding activity during the holiday season – one that combines creativity, togetherness, and a touch of Christmas magic.
10. Acts of kindness
When my children were younger, one of our favorite holiday traditions was writing Christmas cards and delivering them to a nearby care home on Christmas Eve. The kids would pour their creativity into each card, decorating them with colorful drawings, heartfelt messages, and, of course, a generous sprinkle of glitter. Seeing the joy on the residents’ faces when they received these handmade cards was truly unforgettable – a simple act of kindness that brought so much happiness to everyone involved.
Although we haven’t done it in a few years, it is a tradition I look back on with so much fondness. I’d love to bring it back someday, even in a new form, as it is such a meaningful way to remind my children about the importance of giving back. It is not just about the cards; it is about taking the time to connect with others, especially those who might feel lonely during the holidays. Little gestures like this are what make the season truly magical.
The evolution of tradition
Over the years, some traditions have evolved while others have stayed the same. When the kids were little, the magic of Santa was at the center of everything. Now that they are older, the focus has shifted slightly, but the heart of the celebration remains: togetherness, joy, and creating memories.
I have always believed that believing in Santa does no harm; in fact, it is a beautiful way to hold onto a little bit of magic in a world that can sometimes feel too practical.
Christmas Eve is not just a prelude to Christmas Day. It’s a celebration in itself, filled with rituals and moments that bring us closer as a family. Whether it is the simple act of preparing cookies for Santa, watching a favorite movie, or taking a walk to admire the lights, these traditions are what make the holiday season truly special.
Thanks for hanging out with me today!
See you next time.
Valentina
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