WITHOUT CHRIST THERE IS NO CHRISTMAS-Christmas Eve Ideas

Along with all the efforts to create and enjoy the "magic" of Santa Claus, I try to put as much effort into making sure that my children know that Christmas is truly about our Savior Jesus Christ.  It is a time to think of Him each day and live as He would want us to.  So here are a few ideas to help us focus on Him.

#1- HOLDING BABY JESUS
Our Christmas Eve tradition is that we have a special dinner with candlelight and china (it's good that I pull that out one time a year).  We place baby Jesus from our nativity in the center of the table.  After we are  done eating we each take a turn holding that baby Jesus in our hand and sharing with the family our love for the Savior, how He has helped us this year, what we have learned of Him etc. etc.  It is a most tender and touching experience to listen to each family member tell of the differing ways and times that the Savior has strengthened them throughout the year. 

#2-READ ACCOUNT OF SAVIOR'S BIRTH IN BOOK OF MORMON
One of our family's most favorite Christmas story is the account of Jesus' birth recorded in the Book of Mormon, 3rd Nephi, chapter 1 beginning on verse 4 through verse 26.  Besides the accounts in the Bible I think this is the best Christmas story there is.  It is perfect for Christmas Eve.  We read this each year on Christmas Eve.  It tells of the people who believe Christ will soon be born but the unbelievers think the time has past for his birth so they plan to put all the believers to death.  Nephi prays to save his people and hears the voice of the Lord say to him that "...on the morrow come I into the world..."  The sign is given and the next morning Jesus Christ is born.  The believers are saved and blessed by their faith. 
It is a beautiful account and is surely the most amazing true story of Christmas Eve.

#3-SIGN A SONG ABOUT THE SAVIOR CHRISTMAS MORNING
This is a tradition I got from my dad.  Each Christmas morning before we could dig in to Santa gifts and the present mayhem, we would sit together for family prayer and then sing Silent Night or Away in a Manger.  As a young child I sure hated this tradition but as I grew I learned to appreciate it and continue it with my children.  It definitely helps us focus and turn our thoughts to the greatest gift of all- our Savior.


#4-SIBLING GIFT EXCHANGE
We have always had our children draw names for Christmas gifts to each other.  We found years ago that that gift exchange was heavily overshadowed by all the other presents on Christmas morning so we started doing it on Christmas Eve.  It has made all the difference.  It is a tender time to focus just on that gift giving amongst brothers and sisters and see the excitement that comes to receiver and, especially the giver.  It adds a whole new joy and anticipation to Christmas Eve.