If Christmas Eve is a weekday, DD always come into work with me in the morning, I have to appear for an hour. Then we meet DH who has been getting a. Ice coffee on the shopping street, to buy DDs birthday cake (for 26th) and any last nice bits and pieces in the delicatessen shops. We try to not have things we need to get at that stage, but get some lunch and visit the Live Crib before going home.
The years we stay home, we go for a walk, then DH lights the fire while add and I prepare the veggies for Christmas Day, DH makes the stuffing (and always has to ring his mom to remember the family recipe!).
After a movie and nice dinner, we get out the Christmas Eve Candle, and Christmas Eve Box. The youngest in the household lights the candle, to show weary travellers that there is room in our inn. We always have a. Periods of reflection at this stage, on the good and bad things of the past year, and our hopes for the year to come, before saying a family prayer for the birth of Jesus. Then we get out the hamper, with the plate and cup for a treat for Santa, and DDs stocking, new pyjamas for us all, a bath bomb for DD tonpersuade her into the bath, and hot chocolate.ate for all as well. The final thing is out family copy of Twas the night before Christmas, which has been the bedtime story since DD was about to turn 1.
This year is a travelling year though. So after my office, and a short trip around the city (live crib, any shopping bits needed, and maybe lunch), we will hit the road. We need to visit both families before bedtime, but I have made up the hamper as usual. Bed will probably be later, it will be chaotic, but we'll just roll with it as it all happens. Both families do the candle, and DD may be called on to light at least 1 of those. But 1 of those lightings will be extremely poignant and it will be a difficult Christmas that we just have to get through this year without any of us losing our heads at anyone else - which means ignoring a lot of thoughtless comments. I may bring metaphorical earplugs.