WAITING FOR SANTA

It is definitely getting to feel a lot like Christmas. The December days are whizzing by and it’s getting closer to that magical time when Santa pays a visit to boys and girls around the globe.  On Christmas Eve, everyone is very excited and it’s hard to get to sleep. But you know all has to be calm and quiet in the house to get that special visit. Here are some things to do before Santa’s arrival to make the Christmas Eve anticipation a little calmer but keep everyone in the mood.

How about snuggling down on the sofa in the afternoon and watching a festive film. Be it a perennial classic like It’s A Wonderful Life or a family favourite such as the Polar Express.

As Christmas day is a day of feasting, it’s quite a nice idea to make Christmas Eve dinner a light affair.  Maybe a seafood salad or perhaps something you can make in advance like a cottage pie. You don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen on this evening.

When the stockings are hung up and before the little ones are snug in their pyjamas you could prepare some food for the reindeers. They love oats, carrots, mixed in a bowl with some edible glitter.  Take it out into the garden, or on a balcony and sprinkle it merrily. If you don’t have any outdoor space you can always bag it up and leave it for Santa to take with him.

To see how close Santa is to you, check out NORAD’s website. It charts Father Christmas’ position on the globe.  No excuse for not being fast asleep when he arrives if you keep tabs on him at www.noradsanta.org

Doesn’t matter if you can’t hold a note, singing carols is great fun. If you haven’t got any musical instruments to hand, have a look online, as there are many websites that provide music and lyrics.

A lovely book to read every Christmas Eve is Clement Clark Moore’s 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. There are some beautifully illustrated copies available and the poem’s description of Santa’s arrival is magical.

Then when everybody is ready to go to the land of nod, it’s time to get out the goodies for Santa. He does love something sweet to help fill his round belly so don’t forget to leave him a treat. A mince pie, a gingerbread snowman or a slice of Christmas cake is always very much appreciated.

Maybe dad can share a little holiday spirit and pour one of his favourite tipples in a glass for Father Christmas to keep him warm as he journeys on.  The reindeers also enjoy a bowl of water.

Then after one more chorus of Away in A Manger, it’s time to snuggle down to sleep and dream of Santa and reindeers.  No peeping remember.

If you have any ideas for Christmas Eve activities please share them.  Here’s hoping you have a very merry Christmas.