Christmas is one of the most enjoyable times of the year, especially Christmas Eve. The excitement builds in anticipation of the day after and of the goodies that Santa might have placed under the tree. However, as you become an adult, Christmas Eve can even seem a little boring, particularly if you don’t have children or don’t drink. So what do you do? Here are activities you could do on Christmas Eve to make it that little bit more entertaining.
Go for a festive walk outdoors
Just because the weather gets a little colder in December and people tend to stay indoors more, that doesn’t mean you have to follow the crowd. Christmas Eve can involve a lot of prep for the next day, which can get quite stressful. Wrap up in some woollies, get outdoors and breathe in the fresh air. It’s an excellent way to relieve stress.
Watch the NFL Christmas games
Many families like to wind down together on Christmas Eve evening by watching Christmas movies. Again, you don’t have to follow the tradition. If you’re a sports fan, you can invite some friends around and watch NFL Christmas Eve games. This year, the San Diego Chargers will be going head to head with the Buffalo Bills the night Santa drops down the world’s chimneys.
Order takeout
Many families like to sit down together for a meal on Christmas Eve. You don’t necessarily have to prepare the food, though. Besides, you might already have enough to do if you’re preparing the Christmas dinner the next day. So why not order takeout instead? Choose a type of restaurant or takeaway service that tends to be more available at Christmas than others, and order several dishes. You could then serve it up buffet style and enjoy it with some friends.
Listen to Christmas music
One of the most pleasant things about Christmas is the number of songs written about the time of year. Some are about Santa. Some are about getting together with friends and family at Christmas. Some are about being in or out of love at Christmas. Whatever you’re doing on Christmas Eve, you can inject extra festive spirit into it by having some Christmas tunes in the background. Not sure what to listen to? Why not search on the internet for a Christmas playlist?
Do a good deed
Of course, not everyone is so fortunate to be able to enjoy Christmas the way others enjoy it. This being the season of goodwill, Christmas Eve is an ideal day (or evening) to perform an act of kindness in the neighborhood. Donating to a local food bank or homeless shelter, calling on elderly neighbors, walking someone else’s dog, making a donation to charity or gifting toys to a children’s hospital are just a few gestures you could make. To you it might be just a small act of kindness, but it could make a time of great difficulty much easier for someone else.
Chat by the fireside
Do you remember how in the olden times people used to sit by the fireside and tell stories? Christmas Eve is an ideal time to get cozy and just chat with friends or family while you all appreciate the warmth of the fire. You can tell stories. You can talk about your plans for the future. You can talk about your hopes and dreams — and how you plan to achieve them. You can talk about what’s on your mind.
Attend a church service
Naturally, Christmas is a joyous occasion in the Christian calendar and churches will hold special services or programs on Christmas Eve as the day of the birth of the Son of God edges closer. These can include carol services and Nativity pageants. Some churches may even hold late night services on Christmas Eve. Even if you’re not a regular churchgoer, visiting a church on Christmas Eve and attending a service is a special thing to do.
Hold a game night
Christmas is all about having fun and is one of those times when many families will go old school and bring out board games or play traditional games such as charades. Instead of winding down to watch a movie, Christmas is a good time to invite friends over for a game’s night. They may be in the Christmas spirit, but perhaps they’ll also be in a competitive spirit. Maybe you are too. Remember it’s only a game!
Christmas Eve is one of the most fabulous days of the festive season. The excitement is building, and the anticipation of Christmas Day is immense. If you’re having trouble thinking of something to do on Christmas Eve and don’t drink alcohol or have a family of your own, try one of the activities above and make your Christmas Eve that little bit more special.
