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There are plenty of ways to get into the Christmas spirit throughout the month of December, and many different traditions that each family embraces every year – but a relatively new Yuletide tradition that’s taken off in the UK is the Christmas Eve box.
Inspired by the German tradition of opening some presents early on Christmas Eve, this festive trend is sure to become a classic in its own right thanks to its growing popularity.
If you want to take part in the Christmas Eve box tradition yourself, but aren’t sure how to get started, here’s a quick guide with some of our top Christmas Eve box ideas to keep the kids happy the night before the big day!
What is a Christmas Eve box?
A Christmas Eve box is just what it sounds like – a small box of gifts given on Christmas Eve instead of Christmas Day. While you can make Christmas Eve boxes for adults, they’re usually created for children as a way to keep them entertained while the adults are busy preparing for the next day.
As the trend has gotten bigger over the last five years, you can now buy ready-made Christmas Eve gift boxes, or specially personalised boxes to reuse for years to come.
However, the spirit of the Christmas Eve box is to select the gifts yourself and do a bit of DIY – even if it’s just covering a cardboard box in festive wrapping paper and ribbons!
What should you put in a Christmas Eve box?
The gifts in the box should also be small, practical, and not too expensive – after all, you’ll be saving the best presents for the day itself. This way, Christmas Eve boxes don’t have to break the bank, especially if you’re making multiple for more than one child.
Here are seven Christmas Eve box fillers that should help you to make the most of this precious time of year with your family without going over-budget!
Christmas pyjamas
Many adults have already grown up with the tradition of getting a new pair of pyjamas to wear to bed on Christmas Eve, and while opening their presents on Christmas morning.
Whether it’s a Christmas-themed onesie or a Fair Isle patterned PJ set, new pyjamas are a must – bonus points if everyone in the family has matching PJs to wear together!
Fluffy socks or slippers
Keeping your feet warm is important in the heart of winter, so adding some fluffy socks or slippers to go with their Christmas Eve pyjamas can complete the cosy look.
Novelty Santa slippers, fleece-lined booties, or just thick fuzzy socks with a fun pattern – the kids can kick back in comfort and style with their new head-to-toe loungewear.
Sweet treats
What better way to break in their new Christmas nightwear than for the kids to enjoy a mug of hot chocolate before bed? With all the trimmings, of course!
You can buy or make your own hot chocolate kit with a mug, marshmallows, and chocolate sprinkles, or simply include some classic chocolate coins or a mini selection box as a sweet treat.
Special soft toy
No matter your child’s age, they’re never too old to enjoy the tactile comfort of cuddling a soft toy selected just for them, especially one with a whimsical design that suits the season.
There’s no better brand for this purpose than Jellycat Christmas soft toys – from cuddly Christmas critters to festive food and décor items, these unique plushies are sure to warm their hearts.
Seasonal storybook
Once they’ve settled down in their PJs and enjoyed their hot cocoa, the next gift from their Christmas Eve box could be a seasonal children’s book, with an exciting illustrated story to read before bed.
If you have tweens and teens, you might want to peep at what’s trending on BookTok – or if you aren’t tech-savvy, you can pop into your local bookstore and ask the staff for recommendations.
Puzzle, game, or activity
Whether it’s a jigsaw puzzle, a small Lego set, a themed colouring book, or a brain-training challenge for slightly older kids – you’ll definitely want to include something to keep them busy for a bit.
Other than solo activities, there’s also the option of including a board game or card game that the whole family can play together and make memories over the Christmas holidays.
Something to leave out for Santa
Even as kids grow up, playing along with the fun of leaving mince pies out for Santa – and carrots for his reindeer, of course – can be a fond experience every year.
Smaller kids may want to leave letters for Father Christmas, too, so you could include the package for Santa and some letter-writing materials in their gift box.
By combining these different elements in a Christmas Eve box for kids, you can extend the magic of Christmas, create new traditions, and enjoy even more memorable festive experiences!