Christmas Eve and Christmas Day – memories that last for years

The glow of candles on the Christmas Eve table, breaking the wafer, the excitement of a child looking for the first star. Such moments are more than just a family gathering – they build emotional foundations that a child will carry throughout their life. Christmas Eve and Christmas teach children the most important values: love, family unity, generosity and hope.

Why is Christmas Eve so special?

Christmas Eve is a unique evening of the year. For a child, it is a moment when the whole world slows down and the family spends time together and is truly together. No rush, no distractions. The presence of parents is the greatest gift a child can receive.

Psychologists emphasise that children remember not so much the events themselves as the emotions associated with them. Joy, excitement, warmth, security – these feelings are deeply engraved in their memory and become a point of reference for the rest of their lives.

Waiting for the first star – a lesson in patience

Waiting together for the first star is a beautiful tradition that teaches children patience and the ability to enjoy the moment. This is not easy for a little person who can't wait for Santa Claus to arrive! But this ability is one of the most important emotional skills.

When a child stands at the window with their parents, looking for a star in the sky, they learn that the most beautiful things require time and patience. And the joy when the star finally appears is immense.

Breaking the wafer – a ritual of closeness

The tradition of breaking the wafer influences the development of emotional intelligence. Children learn to express their feelings in words, wish others all the best, look their loved ones in the eyes and say what they feel. This is not easy, especially for older children, who often hide their emotions.

But that is precisely why this ritual is so valuable. In the safe, loving atmosphere of Christmas Eve, a child can say to their grandmother, ‘I love you,’ and to their brother, ‘I'm glad you're here.’ These words, spoken once a year, become a bridge that builds deeper relationships.

It is also worth introducing a tradition where everyone at the table talks about one good moment from the past year. This teaches children gratitude and a positive outlook on life.

Christmas Eve for everyone – a lesson in generosity

A beautiful tradition is to leave a free place at the Christmas Eve table – for an unexpected guest. You can invite a lonely person, a neighbour, someone who has nowhere to spend the holidays. For a child, this is a concrete lesson that Christmas is a time of sharing and openness to others.

Some families have a tradition of preparing a food parcel for those in need before Christmas Eve or getting involved in charity work. Children who take part in this learn empathy and responsibility. They understand that not everyone is as fortunate and that it is worth helping others.

Research shows that children who learn to give are happier and have better relationships with their peers.

Reading stories about the birth of Jesus

For many families, an important part of Christmas Eve is reading or telling stories about the birth of Jesus. Children who hear this story year after year learn that they are part of something bigger. They connect with family, cultural and spiritual traditions. This builds a sense of identity and belonging.

Christmas carols – sounds that carry emotions

Singing Christmas carols together is a tradition that involves the whole family. Christmas carols are also a bridge between generations. When grandparents teach their grandchildren old, forgotten carols, they pass on a part of their history. For a child, these melodies will forever be associated with the warmth of home and the presence of loved ones.

Carols heard in childhood will evoke emotions throughout life – even when the child grows up and starts their own family.

Gifts – not the most important thing, but important

Of course, gifts are an exciting part of Christmas for a child. But the way we give them matters. It is worth teaching a child that giving brings as much joy as receiving.

It is a beautiful tradition for children to make small gifts for family members themselves. Drawings, handmade decorations, vouchers for help with cleaning or reading together. Children learn that the most precious gifts do not have to be expensive – it is the thought and effort that count.

How to make Christmas real

• Slow down. Christmas is not a marathon of chores. It is a time to be together, truly together. It is better to give up some of your commitments and have more time for yourself.
• Be present. Put your phone away. Don't check your emails. Don't think about work. Just be here and now, with your children, with your family. That is the most precious gift.
• Not everything has to be perfect. Emotions are more important than perfection.
• Create your own traditions. You don't have to do everything the way your parents did. Create traditions that suit your family, your values and your capabilities.

What really stays in your memory?

When your child grows up and remembers Christmas from their childhood, they won't remember whether the presents were expensive or whether the table was laden with food. They will remember whether they felt loved, whether their parents were happy. They will remember the sparkle in your eyes when you decorated the Christmas tree together. Your laughter while singing carols. Your arms that hugged them before bedtime. Your words when breaking the wafer.

And they will pass all this on to their children. Because the magic of Christmas is not the traditions themselves – it is the love that flows through them. It is the feeling of being part of something beautiful, lasting, greater than ourselves.

And that is what stays in our memory for a lifetime.