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Halton Hills | Thursday, December 22, 2022 | 12 t Christmas Eve is viewed differently by & different people, even those who live un- @ der the same Santa-ready roof. Adults may * see Christmas Eve as crunch time when they must prepare food for the next day or set up presents for their children to open in the morning. Children, on the other hand, are focused on Santa’s visit and little else. Parents naturally want to make Christ- mastime as special as possible for their children, and that may involve ensuring that Christmas Eve is just as memorable as Christmas Day. The following are some ways to impart more magic into Christmas Eve celebrations. Attend Mass at midnight Practicing Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas. On Christmas Eve, churches often hold celebrations that may include late-evening or midnight masses that celebrate the birth of Christ when the calendar switches over to De- cember 25. While it does make for a late night, it can be thought-provoking for kids and a unique experience unlike any other. Bake fresh cookies Children like to leave out a plate of coo- kies and a glass of milk for Santa. That makes Christmas Eve a perfect time to whip up a fresh batch of cookies. Explore different recipes to come up with a unique offering each year. Read a Christmas story Watching television or looking at a ta- blet or mobile phone before bed can be too stimulating when it's time for children to wind down for bed. Choose a holiday tale or tales that can be read as a Christ- mas Eve bedtime story. Reciting the poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas (‘Twas the Night Before Christmas)” is a great way to set the Christmas Eve mood. Make a batch of ‘reindeer dust’ Why should Santa’s reindeer be left out when it comes to receiving treats? Rein- deer dust, made from a combination of oatmeal, rice cereal, dried fruits, and glitter (if desired), is purported to attract Santa's reindeer and provide them a nibble at the same time. Plus, it's generally safe for other animals in the yard to eat. Go caroling Caroling may not be the norm, but some families may want to revive it. Close-knit ed = — SF eS sid ay @ | C H fk EF R Because il is the best time of the ye: HOW TO MAKE CHRISTMAS EVE SPECIAL FOR KIDS communities can organize family-centric caroling opportunities and roam the cul- de-sacs and other pedestrian-friendly areas singing popular songs. Christmas Eve is a great time to embrace various traditions that help to make the season even more special (Metro Creative) <<) iS Ss tC) wmasonn ___ ertwah \yieaum ‘uewmous Kpue> asad '3aN4y SIMSNY ee irtfeer Ce? tenpers How many ake cn on spot between ote Snowmen? ow ydnac m4 Urry Michael Chong Member of Parliament Wellington - Halton Hills Have a Wonderful Christmas Season and a Safe and Happy New Year! — = 878-5 michael.chong@parl.gce.ca www.michaelchong.ca