Each and every family will have many different and unique Christmas traditions that are carried out each year. This can range on the specific day that the tree will be taken down from the loft and decorated. To when Christmas CD's are allowed to be played on a continuous loop when in the car.

But the main traditions that are carried out the night before the big day are very similar. Here's a brief list of the common family traditions carried out on Christmas eve.

Early Presents

A common traditional on Christmas eve is to let everyone open one gift, before going to bed. This can be a great way for the family to gather with a hot chocolate and sit next to the tree. Opening just a small gift can help get everyone excited. A simple gift such as slippers or pyjamas are a great first gift choice, not just for the children but the whole family.

Watching A Christmas Film

This is an easy one and often carried out throughout the festive period. But many save their favourite Christmas film for Christmas eve, and gathering the family together to watch it. The classics are Home Alone, Christmas on 34th Street and Muppet's Christmas Carol, to name a few.

If your children are younger, then don't let this ruin a great tradition. Why not read out loud a Christmas book to everyone. Something that younger children will love.

This will be a great opportunity to enjoy the holidays and indulge a little. Festive snacks are a great place to start, if you received one of the many corporate Christmas hampers given out to employee's or one given as a gift form friends or family then this would be the ultimate opportunity to have in front of the TV, and also for Christmas day.

Preparation For Father Christmas

Probably the most common and favourite part of Christmas, particularly for children, is right before bedtime to leave out a mince pie for father Christmas and a carrot for the reindeer. Also, add a glass of milk or water.

Christmas Carols

Those who are Christian often visit special carol services are their local churches on Christmas eve. The idea of this is to celebrate the birth of Christ. It is also not uncommon for families within certain communities to go around knocking on doors and performing Christmas carols.

This is just a short list of common Christmas eve traditions. Which are vital for each and every family. It is a period that everyone looks forward to, and children can benefit greatly from such traditions because of the memories it provides.