I am one of those people who love to spend Christmas Eve being cosy, snuggling down and watching Christmas films; while eating plenty of those traditional goodies.
We spend so much time preparing for the season that I like Christmas to be about more than just one day; so I try to make Christmas Eve special too.
If you have been busy shopping and getting everything ready, then a good old Christmas Eve film fest can make for a well-deserved, relaxing time.
However, unlike in the Christmas films, the snow is not always falling outside to enhance that atmosphere, but we can evoke more of that festive feeling in other ways.
Make Your House Smell like Christmas.
What smells are reminiscent of Christmas time for you?
For me it is the strong scent of pine from a freshly cut Christmas tree.
Although, unlike when I was younger, I have now opted for an artificial one. Guilty of wanting less mess and not wishing to still find pine needles well into March.
On the plus side you can now get green, pine scented sticks to hang on the tree.
Better still make your own ones with pine cones instead. You can either buy pine cone ornaments or maybe even find your own ones while out on a winter walk. If so, give them a good wash, dry them thoroughly and spray them with pine scented essential oil.
Place them in a sealed plastic bag to lock in the smell and leave for at least a day before removing them. Check that they are dry and then place them on the Christmas tree.
You can also have baskets filled with them throughout the house, adding more of that pine aroma everywhere.
Another way to create a truly festive smell, is to gently simmer a pan of water with ingredients such as orange or tangerine peel, nutmeg, cinnamon sticks. You could even add springs of pine if you want to. Then let the aroma gently float throughout your home.
Remember to keep an eye on it though, as the water quickly evaporates. So do keep topping it up.
Give Christmas Eve Gifts.
Give a Christmas Eve gift, even if small. Maybe add a chocolate reindeer, selection box or other treat wrapped up in cellophane with a bright red bow.
In recent years Christmas Eve boxes have become popular, even with adults. You can put in things such as pyjamas, small gifts and chocolate.
Give Your Lounge A Cosy Feel
Nothing says cosy Christmas more than a roaring log fire. However, not all of us have one but if you have a streaming service or youtube on your television, then there are plenty of videos with a crackling log fire.
Not quite the same I know, but it does surprisingly, give a cosy feel.
Add extra fairy lights around your home to vamp up that twinkling, glowing effect.
Have Traditional, Hot Drinks
Make hot mulled wine, which also makes for another great Christmas aroma throughout the house.
You can buy inexpensive ready made bottles from supermarkets that you just heat up or you could make your own https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/top-tips-mulling-wine
You can even do an alcohol free version with a fruit cordial, and just add plenty of spices https://mindfulmocktail.com/non-alcoholic-mulled-wine-pomegranate/
More of a hot chocolate at Christmas fan?
Then make extra special ones with all the trimmings, such as whipped cream, sprinkled with grated chocolate and topped with marshmallows.
You could also put orange flavoured chocolate pieces in. Or even make one with a shot of Irish Cream, to give it an extra special flavour.
Add some Christmas gingerbread or Italian biscotti on the side.
Want to do something more energetic then go for a winter walk and come back and have hot soup, hot chocolate or mulled wine to warm up from the cold.
Make an extra special Christmas Eve breakfast or brunch, maybe one that is tasty but easy to prepare, if you are opting to relax.
Bake some traditional goodies or even make a special Christmas Eve Dinner.
Sprinkle mince pies, shortbread, cookies or a chocolate log with icing sugar to give that snowy effect.
Or instead, just completely relax and stay warm and cosy with that film fest. You could even make cinnamon popcorn or perhaps Christmas film goodie bags with treats and popcorn tied up with a red ribbon.
If you have any more ideas for a cosy Christmas Eve, please comment below.