On the Twelfth Day of Christmas. . .

I polled folks in the office to find out what some of their favorite Christmas Eve traditions are. So in no particular order, here are twelve traditions from folks on the Lifeway Kids team.

• We play board games or card games–Erika Scrimpshire
• When I was a kid, we would bake Christmas cookies each afternoon during the four Sundays of Advent. We didn’t get to eat any though; they went straight to the freezer! On Christmas eve, they were pulled from the freezer and we finally got to dig in!–Stephanie Salvatore
• In Texas, my family always eats at Tamales for Xmas eve in honor of our Mexican heritage!–Jana Magruder
• Several years ago we began choosing someone in the family to be the recipient of “Twelve Days of Christmas.” Twelve presents are arranged and made available in a variety of ways. This year my elderly parents are the recipients. During Thanksgiving, my daughter and daughter-in-law shopped for and hid nine presents in their home. Then I sent them a package with three more gifts along with the clues to find the others. Included on the clue for each day is a Scripture so that they not only find a small gift each day but also enjoy the joy of the season as they read about the Savior. One year we sent a box full of gifts to cousins who live in another state. The year my daughter-in-law was pregnant with the first grandchild, she received a basket full of gifts. The gifts are small, useful items and usually include at least one gift card. It is fun for those who prepare and for those who receive.– Wanda King
• We go to see a movie together as a family. Each person opens one present at a time.– Katy Bradley
• In our family, we always read Luke 2 on Christmas Eve. The youngest person that can read gets to read the story. –Henry Dutton
• My dad always read the Christmas story.  My mom reads it now. –Lance Howerton
• My family eats Chinese Food on Christmas Eve. Sixteen years ago when I first came to Lifeway, my family tried to go out and eat on Christmas Eve. All that was open were Chinese Restaurants. Since then, Chinese Food has been our choice for Christmas Eve dinner!– Jerry Vogel
• Christmas Eve, after the last Christmas Eve service at church, we have Clam Chowder in bread bowls and watch It’s a Wonderful Life. The kids barely make it half-way through the movie without crashing. My wife and I cry…, mostly my wife. On Christmas Day we watch Christmas Story while we open presents. Afterwards we go eat at a Chinese restaurant, yes there is always one open. –Jeffrey Reed

Yes, I know there are 13, but they were all too fun not to share : )