Make Christmas Eve Unforgettable

Jonelle Tannahill • November 21, 2024

10 Ways to Make Christmas Eve Unforgettable with Impressions ReDesign

I love Christmas Eve! As a grandma to seven wonderful grandkids and a mom to three daughters, Christmas Eve is one of the most magical days of the year in our family. It’s a time for cherished traditions and making lasting memories. It's a time when we are together.

If you’re looking for ideas to make your Christmas Eve truly special, here are 10 ways to celebrate with warmth and joy!

1. Light Candles to Set the Mood

Create a cozy and peaceful atmosphere by lighting candles throughout your home. Whether it’s a centerpiece on the dining table or a cluster on the mantle, the soft glow adds a magical touch. Pair it with your favorite seasonal scents like cinnamon or evergreen for an extra layer of warmth.

2. Watch a Favorite Christmas Movie

Nothing beats snuggling up with the family to watch a classic Christmas movie. My favorite is White Christmas—Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney, and that incredible soundtrack! Here are some timeless classics to consider:

  1. It’s a Wonderful Life
  2. White Christmas
  3. Miracle on 34th Street
  4. A Christmas Carol (1951 version)
  5. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
  6. Frosty the Snowman
  7. A Charlie Brown Christmas
  8. The Polar Express
  9. Home Alone
  10. Elf


3. Cozy Up in Matching Pajamas

In 2018 everyone in our family received a matching pajamas on Christmas Eve. Whether they’re matching or themed, it’s a fun tradition that sets the tone for a night of togetherness—and great family photos!

4. Capture the Magic of Your Christmas Decorating 

It has been a family tradition to take a picture around the Tristmas tree (Thats my Mom)   love to look back on photos of Christmas past. Before the festivities begin, take photos or a video tour of your holiday decorations. Start at the front door and capture every festive detail. It’s a wonderful way to preserve the memories and see how your decorating changes and evolves each year.  Its wonderful to look back on my Mom's Christmas decorating photos too!

5. Host a Christmas Eve Hot Cocoa Bar

Set up a cozy hot cocoa bar with toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, candy canes, and chocolate shavings. Let everyone customize their own cup of cocoa to sip while enjoying your favorite Christmas activities. Add a few festive mugs for an extra special touch!

6. Make a Holiday Ornament

Gather the family and make some fun ornaments for the tree. 

Blessings Ball Ornament: Provide paper slips or small tags, and have everyone write down what they’re most thankful for. Place the notes in a clear ornaments or tie them to the tree. It’s a meaningful way to focus on gratitude and togetherness during the holiday season.

Family Photo Ornament: Print small family photos and glue them onto lightweight wood or cardboard cutouts. Add glitter, ribbon, and a date to personalize each one before attaching a loop to hang on the tree.

Cinnamon Stick Star Ornament: Glue five cinnamon sticks together in a star shape, securing the corners with hot glue. Add twine for hanging and decorate with small embellishments like dried orange slices, berries, or glitter for a rustic, fragrant ornament.

Wooden Painted Ornaments:   Pick up unfinished wooden ornaments from a craft store, along with acrylic paints and brushes. Let each family member paint their own design—whether it’s holiday scenes, abstract patterns, or personal touches—and seal them with a clear varnish for a keepsake that lasts for years.


Button Christmas Tree: Use a foam cone, hot glue, and an assortment of colorful buttons to create a whimsical Christmas tree ornament. Start at the base, gluing buttons in layers as you work your way to the top, then finish with a small star or bow.

7. Bake Christmas Cookies Together

Christmas Eve morning is perfect for baking cookies. I like to make the sugar cookie cut outs and have the kids help me frost them. Let the kids help with decorating while holiday music plays in the background. The cookies become a delicious treat for later—or maybe for Santa himself!

8. Take a Holiday Lights Drive

Pile into the car and drive through neighborhoods filled with festive lights. Bring hot chocolate and cookies to enjoy as you admire the creativity and sparkle of the season. It’s always a highlight of our evening.

9. Wrap Last-Minute Gifts

Many times we  have a few presents left to wrap, so we make it part of the celebration! With beautiful ribbons, handmade bows, and some festive music playing, it’s a chance to slow down and enjoy the process.

10. Attend a Christmas Eve Service

To me, Christmas Eve feels sacred, and attending a church service is a beautiful way to reflect on the true meaning of the season. If you’re not able to go to a service, consider reading the Christmas story or sharing a prayer with loved ones.

Christmas Eve is a time to embrace traditions, create new ones, and savor every moment with family. I hope these ideas inspire you to make your Christmas Eve magical. What are your favorite Christmas Eve traditions? Share them in the comments—I’d love to hear them!

Wishing you a warm and joyful Christmas Eve,
Jonelle
Impressions ReDesign – Love Your Home More

Thanks for joining our insiders group!


Whooo Hoo! I'm so excited you are hear!


Our newsletter comes out at the beginning of each month and is another medium through which you can track the trends, get inspired and discuss design styles.


It’s a colorful, fun update that contains links, blog posts, favorite creative “pins”, and exciting design ideas from Facebook. In addition, you will be the first to hear about our "Date With Design" monthly webinars, promotions, speaking dates, and our Home Decorator Club events.


By signing up you make sure you won't miss a thing!

Sign UP!
By Jonelle Tannahill January 5, 2025
Let's Celebrate!
By Jonelle Tannahill November 1, 2024
Celebrate America Recycles Day with Impressions ReDesign!
By Jonelle Tannahill October 5, 2024
For anyon e aiming to enhance their Halloween décor check out these tips
By Jonelle Tannahill September 5, 2024
This is a subtitle for your new post
By Jonelle Tannahill September 4, 2024
Brighten Up Your Space:
By Jonelle Tannahill July 30, 2024
Update ideas for the breakfast room, nook, dinette or whatever you call it
At Impressions ReDesign we care about your curb appeal.  
10 Quick and Easy Ways to Boost Your Home
By Jonelle Tannahill July 26, 2024
Discover ten simple tips to enhance your home's curb appeal, from seasonal planting and fresh mulch to inviting outdoor furniture and clean windows. Transform your exterior and create a lasting first impression with these easy steps. Let Impressions ReDesign bring your home up to date. Impressions ReDesign can help you with: Curb Appeal Home Improvement Home Staging Landscaping Tips Exterior Design Real Estate Tips Seasonal Planting Home Maintenance Outdoor Decor Property ValueInterior Decorating
By Jonelle Tannahill June 28, 2024
Whether you have a spacious garden or a cozy yard, there are endless possibilities to create a beautiful and functional outdoor space.
By Jonelle Tannahill May 16, 2024
Do you appreciate a cozy, inviting home as much as I do?
Nostalgic Tablescapes: Decorating with Vintage
By Jonelle Tannahill April 2, 2024
Let's talk Entertaining! User Good morning, I want to make a blog post on my collection of "Diane" Dishes" I received the collection from my aunt, grandma and some garage sale finds. I have used it for my wedding, showers, anniversary parties, birthdays and most recently for the Jane Austen Tea. I have a set of 48 though I am missing a few dishes to call it a full set. I use it only once or twice a year but it has come in so handy for events. I have lent it to friends for their special events too. Here is some info the the blog post: Diane China dishes - Back in the day… Stores handed out promotional dinnerware to keep their customers loyal. Let's take a stroll down memory lane and explore the charming world of vintage tableware giveaways from yesteryears. Back in the day, businesses used to sweeten the deal for customers by offering free dinnerware as promotional items. Whether it was grocery stores, gas stations, or even cereal companies, everyone seemed to be in on the act. Remember those days wh
More Posts