My mother's family Christmas party has been on the 23rd of December for over 40 years. It's always at the same place, same time, same date. We eat too much, laugh and tell tales of olden times, see who's got a new boyfriend or girlfriend, new spouse, baby, car or whatever else. We also dress our children (and sometimes adults) in costumes and act out the Christmas story, complete with carols and animals (kids in costumes).
On Christmas day the Mrs. and I go to my parents' house for afternoon festivities, and my father always reads Luke 2. We make hard candy, doughnuts, or whatever else we want. It means more to me each year.

I hope your parishes enjoy a blessed Christmas Eve and a peaceful new year.