“T’was the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.” ~ Clement Clarke Moore
Christmas Eve
Merry Christmas Eve! I can not believe we are FINALLY here and that Santa! (said in Buddy the Elf’s voice, which just so happens to be on as I write this) is coming tonight! After all the anticipation and preparation, Christmas has finally arrived.
Christmas Eve has always been as much of a celebration as Christmas Day is in my family. It has more of a laid back feel after weeks of rushing around to get everything ready. While we might have a present or two to wrap, everything is pretty much finished, unless you are my Dad who ALWAYS goes out and buys goodies for my Mom’s stocking. 
Christmas Evening
Evenings were spent at church. Raised Catholic, we would always attend Christmas Eve Mass, and we still go every year. Ultimately it is the reason why we celebrate Christmas. Listening to the readings in the beautifully decorated church with the Advent wreath all lit, and singing the carols and hymns, not only puts the why into perspective, but also connects us. 
Since we aren’t Italian, we never celebrated the Feast of the Seven Fishes, that so many of my friends and even some family members like my brother-in-law did and still do. It is probably a good thing, because sushi is as far as I get to liking fish. We never had a set Christmas Eve meal. Some years we would do breakfast for dinner, others my Mom would go all out with a feast that would rival Christmas dinner, and sometimes like this year it was kept simple and relaxed with a couple delicious soups and some specialty desserts.
Waiting For Santa
Leading up to Christmas, we would do Kris Kringle, also known as KK’s. We would draw names from a hat and then leave small presents for them every day. On Christmas Eve, we would guess who had who, (though we usually figured it out long before hand) have a big reveal and get a big gift. It was our version of opening a present early.
Once we got older it became harder to do with everyone moving away, and we don’t do it anymore, but it was still one of my favorite memories of the Christmas season growing up. Afterwards we would Han our stalkings, throw reindeer food, check the Santa tracker one last time before we scurried off to bed. We rarely slept as we excitedly waited for Santa and even hoped to catch him.
Alas we never did, but it also never dampened our excitement. I still get excited, and yes, I still check that tracker. No matter how old I am the magic never goes away and I am so excited that it is FINALLY truly here.
What are some of your favorite Christmas Eve memories? Merry Christmas Eve everyone! <3
Other Blogmas Posts:
Happy Blogmas
The Nautical Gift Guide
What DO I Wear?!?! The Holiday Graphic Tee
Trimming The Tree
Favorite Christmas Movies
Wanderlusting: Santa’s Village
What DO I Wear?!?! Christmas Glam
Christmas in Charleston
Kate’s Christmas Playlist
Wrapping Presents
What DO I Wear?!?! Ugly Christmas Sweater
Advent Calendar: Day 1-13
Most Wonderful Time In New York
Favorite Hallmark Movies
What DO I Wear: Graphic Tees and Leather
Getting Crafty For Christmas
2019 Skating Ornament
Christmas Cards and Pictures
What Do I Wear: Buffalo Plaid PJ’s
Friday Favorites Christmas Edition
Christmas and Grief
Wanderlusting: The Christmas Loft
One Last Christmas graphic Tee
Merry Christmas!🎄💞
Loved this post! You don’t remember but long before you were born I used to do a Christmas Eve open house-serving some of the seven fishes. I stopped doing it as family members nearby dwindled. I also would stop time on Christmas Eve if it were possible. My favorite time of the year.🎄🤶🏻🎄🤶🏻
Merry Christmas! 😀
I had never heard of the KK’s game! That sounds so fun! Your Christmases were so magical. ❤ Hope this year was no different!!
Christmas Eve service is one of my favorite parts of Christmas too. I went this year to a “Christmas Eve- Eve” service which was magical—it was more of a Christmas special put on by the church. It really does make Christmas feel like Christmas! The Kris Kringle idea is adorable—what a fun tradition, but I totally sympathize with how hard it is to keep those same traditions up as you get older. It’s bittersweet, but the memories are always there <3 I hope you had the most wonderful Christmas day!
Christmas Eve is traditionally with my dad’s side of the family- we all get together at my cousins, eat an amazing dinner made by my Uncle and then enjoy Peppernuts (the Christmas cookie that has been passed down through generations and one of the foods I look forward to most during the holidays!). This year we celebrated on the 26th, but it didn’t make it any less special. Thanks for sharing, Kate!! Have the most wonderful New Year!! Xoxo