Christmas Eve is here. The last push to get everything done. For some that means gifts or making a trip to the grocery store. Yes, even those last minute Christmas cards. When the clock strikes twelve tonight you can take a deep breath and say "I did it." 

In all of the hustle and bustle to get everything done do not forget that there are, and always will be, things that you do each and every Christmas Eve. No matter what is going on, or where you are at, you will find the time to repeat your holiday customs.

At our home each year, after Christmas Eve dinner, we load up in the car and drive around looking at all of the Christmas lights around the town. Some are the same year after year. But, that doesn't matter. Seeing the lights has a special meaning for us. Our last stop of the evening is always at one of the local churches where we can find a nativity scene. Pausing to reflect on the real reason we celebrate Christmas, we then return home to await the dawn of Christmas.

Once we have settled in the kids have to get ready for bed. Early on in their lives, they were given Christmas pajamas. Now days it's tee shirts and sleeping pants or shorts. After that, they are allowed to open up one gift each. Then I will read "Twas The Night Before Christmas." Cookies and milk are then left on the special Santa plate from each child. Once all of this is done it is off to bed.

Finally, it is my time for my own tradition. A large glass of Eggnog goes with me to the great room where I can sit down, take a deep breath and turn on the TV. At 10:30 this evening, Christmas Eve Mass from the Vatican will come on. I am not Catholic but I thoroughly enjoy the pageantry of the Mass and the sounds of the choir singing.

This is how we spend our Christmas Eve. Do you and your family have special traditions you do from year to year?

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