Christmas Eve Traditions

What makes a great tradition? What makes something fun, important or memorable enough to even become a tradition in the first place?

I love our Christmas Eve traditions.

 

At dinner we do "crackers". They are filled with a chic paper hat, a little toy, and a corny joke.  

 After dinner we read the Christmas Story from the bible. There is always a debate on which bible to use. Whoever reads gets the final say!

Next comes the Advent Wreath and a series of readings that we've been using for the last 10 or so years.

Then comes "The Night Before Christmas". Mandatory. Non-Negotiable. Must happen to proceed with the rest of the evening. Then, we open a present each and exchange stocking stuffers... THEN...

Our most unique and the part of the evening that I think is the most fun!

LOTTERY TICKETS.

Nothing says "Happy Birthday, Jesus!" like the Texas Lotto.

Ok. I know. Totally irreverent.

Still love it.

Coffee, dessert, and a family gathered in the kitchen to scratch their lotto tickets with butter knives.

It's always exciting when someone actually wins. A dollar here, two there... GAR won $100 this year!

Not a bad stocking stuffer, huh? (Beat that, Santa.)