It can be a bit of a struggle to keep the magic alive when a family may have an array of ages and different stages to contend with.
 

• Order or make a Christmas Eve box. Simply find a festive looking box or wrap a shoe box in Christmas wrapping paper. Fill it with Christmas PJs, a Christmas themed DVD and your children's favourite treats. It can only be opened on Christmas eve and is enjoyed by everyone in the family, including us parents. It really is a lovely tradition to begin.
• Keep an element of surprise. Perhaps you do Kris Krindle or perhaps the kids have asked for a very specific toy or gift. Make it a condition that something has to involve a little surprise. Older kids will actually love this one even if they are initially less than enthusiastic. There is nothing like a little surprise.
• Have a Christmas Eve feast. Christmas Day can be quite stressful for a lot of families believe it or not. A lot of people to please, places to go to and more rushing and racing than any other day of the year. Make Christmas Eve a family tradition. Enjoy being in your own home with Cosy Pjs, fancy snacks you wouldn't otherwise justify and a cheeky glass of mulled wine for the adults. It really gets the excitement going.
• Don't forget the simple things. A letter from Santa, reindeer food and fake snow. It all ads to the magic no matter what your age is.
• Embrace modern practices like Elf On The Shelf. This will appeal to teenagers who will love the social media element of it. It is creative and involves the whole family.
• Christmas movies, Christmas Baking, Christmas Jumpers & Christmas Music. Anything that makes those precious couple of weeks feel a little bit magical. These are the things that make the day more about the family experience rather than the visit from the man in the red suit.