Christmas Eve night is tinged with a dizzying excitement, and whilst you can’t calm the kids down completely, there are things that will keep it all bubbling to a much more manageable gentle fizz. :)
On Christmas Eve day we always plan outdoor activities (weather permitting) even it’s just a stroll by the sea or up the mountains, that’s the type of thing that will burn off so much energy.
Once home –last minute wrapping is an annual occurrence, a panic always erupts when searching for the sticky tape that has gone missing for the millionth time, and of course dinner prep. Once that’s all done – we sit down as a family to watch a movie – it’s something we do every single year, and it has become one of my very favourite traditions. The only tricky part is selecting a movie that’s suitable for EVERYONE - these are a few of my all time favourites.
The Muppet Christmas Carol
When the kids are little, this one is great. We rarely get to watch the Muppets with so many different programmes these days, so this is a bit of a throw-back for my husband and I, and now it is for our kids too.
Home Alone
It’s an oldie but a goodie – we adore this movie, and in our house it’s Christmas personified. You only have to hear the music and you’re drawn straight in. And it doesn’t matter how old the kids get, they still come back every time.
Miracle on 24th St
I will never get tired of schmaltzy movies, where ‘they all live happily ever after’ – and what better time to indulge in this, but at Christmas. Miracle on 24th is all that and more. I love it.
The Grinch Who Stole Christmas
When my kids get to choose, it’s this one every time. I think they choose it because they know it’s the one I’m not mad about. And that I tend to grumble about too. But in the interest of everyone getting a go, I allow it.
Frozen
Yep, we were totally and utterly sick of it when it first came out, but now, we can practically quote it word for word, and watching it at Christmas has become a bit of tradition of its own. Love it.
The Snowman
I’ve got to be honest – this one always makes me incredibly sad, so when it’s selected, I quietly go to the kitchen to make hot chocolate for everyone. Perhaps I’m just a bit too emotional, but, the kids really love it and we get an endless chorus of Walking in the Air for the rest of the evening until bedtime! Always good. No seriously.
Whatever movies you choose, the important part is that you’re enjoying family time together. The days turn into weeks, the weeks months, and the months years – if you don’t stop to breathe it in every now and again, you’ll miss it.
Merry Christmas!
Brought to you in association with Tropicana
