If you are looking for inspiration for a new tradition to begin here are a few ideas…
Elf On The Shelf
A lovely tradition to get the kids in the festive spirit from the start of December. The Elf moves around the house, getting up to mischief each night while the kids sleep! If you are running out of ideas for the little mischief maker check out our blog packed with Elf on the Shelf ideas!
Christmas Eve Boxes
Whether you fill them with new pyjamas, slippers and a book to read on Christmas Eve or fill it full of crafts to keep the little ones entertained, a Christmas Eve Box is bound to increase excitement!
Some great ideas for your Christmas Eve box are:
Homemade Christmas Decorations
There are lots of ways to create homemade decorations. Here are our Top 3!
Salt dough Decorations
Ingredients
Lolly Stick Decorations
Let the kids imaginations run wild! All you need are some lolly sticks, pompoms, buttons and some paint!
Alternatively, you could buy a new Christmas decoration each year for your child for the tree and store them in a special box so when they leave home they’ll have their own special Christmas decorations to take with them.
Boxing Day Walk
We are so lucky in North Leeds to be blessed with some beautiful and FREE outdoor spaces to explore. Walk off the turkey and chocolates on Boxing Day with a family walk. Find a new spot to explore here.
See A Festive Pantomime or Show
Everyone loves a Pantomime! Find our pick of the top local shows here. Visiting a Pantomime is also a nice thing to do in-between Christmas and New Year.
Decorate a Gingerbread House
You can pick up a gingerbread house kit from most of the local supermarkets. The Mini-Mumblers absolutely love decorating one at Christmas!
If you are more ‘Mary Berry’ than ‘supermarket chic’ then you can find a recipe and template to bake your own here.
Go On A Christmas Lights Hunt
People go to town on Christmas lights these days, why not take a walk around your neighbourhood and see who can spot the lights first and have a little competition amongst yourselves as to which are the best! Have a look at some local suggestions here.
Make Reindeer Food
Mix together a combination of birdseed, rolled oats, sunflower seeds, and red and green sugar crystals. Sprinkle it in the snow for Santa’s reindeer on Christmas Eve.
Please stay clear of actual glitter or any non-food items which could harm any wildlife who may happen upon it.
Christmas Eve Pyjamas and Festive Films
New Pyjamas for the whole family for Christmas eve to sit together and watch a Christmas film in! We have created a handy list of favourite festive family films for you, click here.
Find the Christmas Star on Christmas Eve
Before bed on Christmas Eve, the children look out the window for the Christmas star, it’s the brightest one and they know Father Christmas is on his way!
Carol or Crib Service
Lots of local churches have a crib or carol concert on Christmas Eve, some even let the children get dressed up as nativity characters!
Start A Good Moments Jar
Take an empty jar and each week add a note with a good thing that happened this year. Focus on the good. On New Year’s Eve open the jar & read about the amazing year your family has had!
Decorate a tree for the birds
If you’ve got a pretty tree outside, have the whole family decorate it with edible ornaments for the birds. You could use pine cone feeders, suet balls – using cookie cutters to make them into Christmas tree shapes, snowmen or baubles – and strings of fruit, like cranberries or orange chunks. There’s a great article about it here.
Don’t forget to join our North Leeds Mumbler chat group and share your Christmas traditions with other local families.
**Pictures from Pinterest.
