We can't quite believe it's here already! The advent calendars are very nearly empty, Santa's on his way and we're looking forward to Christmas Eve tomorrow! While the big day is obviously Christmas day, Christmas Eve has a lot of excitement of it's own, with the anticipation of what the next day will bring and hanging up the stockings over the fireplace and little kids (and big ones!) not being able to sleep for excitement.
Thinking about Christmas Eve, we're wondering- do you have a Christmas Eve tradition? Some people do, others don't, so we thought we'd take a look at some ideas of what you could be up to this Christmas Eve...
Midnight Mass- A tradition which has been around for donkeys years, attending a Christmas Eve church service is something many people do, whether religious or not, to see in Christmas day. There are a number of services being held across the local area, and a few have been listed below for your information:
- St Bedes Newport Pagnell: 8pm for "Midnight Mass" but at an earlier time!
- St Peter and St Paul Parish Church Newport Pagnell: 11.30pm for Midnight Eucharist
- Newport Pagnell Methodist Church: 11.30pm for a Christmas Eve communion shared with the URC.
- St Peter and St Paul Olney: 5pm Crib service and 11.30pm Midnight Christmas service
If a Christmas service isn't your thing, then how about the Christmas Carol Evening with Sutcliff Baptist Church at Olney Infant Academy, for some carol singing followed by a warm drink and mince pie at 6.30-7pm.
A Christmas Eve Walk: This one is weather dependant (unless you like walking in the rain, or dare we say it, snow) but why not wrap up warm and head out for a walk. Stay local and take a trip around the area to enjoy the Christmas lights and work up a bit of an appetite for tomorrow's Christmas dinner!
Movie time: With the extensive list of films on offer why not have a night in, and watch a Christmas movie or two! A great way of getting into the festive mood and relaxing before the entertaining and busyness starts in the morning. If you're wanting to head out, why not take a trip to the cinema and see a Christmassy film- there are a few good ones this year, including the 'Nativity 3: Dude, where's my donkey?' and 'Get Santa', and a host of less Christmassy but great films including the finale of the Hobbit series, Paddington, Penguins of Madagascar and Night and the Museum to name a few. If you're having to work Christmas Eve then this could be the perfect way to end your day.
Takeaway: A tradition which is quite common for Christmas Eve, is to get a takeaway at home. A nice treat for those having to do the cooking the next day and something a little bit special to commemorate the day. Just don't eat too much, save space for Christmas food on Christmas Day!
Last minute?... Fingers crossed you've been organised and the shopping is done by now, but if not then this really is your last day. The busyness of the shops will depend on how organised the other locals have been, but chances are it's going to be a busy one. Hopefully you'll be able to stay away from the shops and enjoy some of the above ideas, or a tradition of your own, but if not, good luck and may the force be with you!
Whatever you do this Christmas eve, from all at the Phonebox magazine, we hope you have a lovely day!
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