December 23 can be one of the longest days of the year for excited kids. Christmas is close enough to feel immediate, but there is still a full day to fill. A few planned activities can turn the waiting into part of the celebration.
Have a family baking afternoon
Choose a dessert that gives children jobs and a finished result. A story-led baking activity such as The Tomte Cake Set can create a complete afternoon with reading, baking, decorating, and the Tomte surprise.
Make a final Christmas scavenger hunt
Hide clues that lead to pajamas, a holiday book, cocoa supplies, or the evening's movie.
Prepare something for Christmas Eve
Let kids set the breakfast table, make place cards, arrange napkins, or help prepare a dessert. Giving them a real role can channel some of the excitement.
Take a Christmas-light walk
Once it gets dark, walk or drive around the neighborhood and let everyone pick a favorite display.
Record this year's Christmas questions
Ask children their favorite Christmas song, what they think Santa eats after all the cookies, what they are most excited about, or what they want to remember from this year.
End with a calm activity
A book, cocoa, or quiet family game can help the day wind down without starting Christmas Eve too early.
For more ideas for the final days before Christmas, visit Bätter!.