What is a Christmas Eve box and what should you put in it?
There’s a lot happening around Christmas, which requires time, good ideas, and money.
On top of Christmas food, decorations, cards and gifts, some may also want to add a Christmas Eve box to the list of things they have to plan (and pay) for throughout the festive period.
But what’s a Christmas Eve box exactly? Where did they come from? Who are they for, and what do you put in them?
Here’s all you need to know.
What is a Christmas Eve box?
A Christmas Eve box is essentially just another festive treat, usually for children.
It’s a box filled with various Christmassy bits and pieces, such as festive PJs, hot chocolate or perhaps a family board game to play – all the ingredients for a cosy Christmas Eve night at home.
They’ve certainly risen in popularity over recent years, with the BBC even reporting on the ‘curious case of Christmas Eve boxes’ back in 2016.
Not much is known about their origin, though – however it could all stem from the German tradition of opening presents on Christmas Eve, rather than Christmas Day itself.
This is a tradition that is followed in a number of European countries, including Austria, Bulgaria, Estonia, France, Iceland, Lithuania, Norway, Poland and Sweden, among others.
The Royal Family in the UK are even said to exchange gifts on the night before Christmas.
However, it could also be a method of keeping kids excited yet calm as the magic and chaos of December 25 approaches – helping avert their eyes from the alluring gifts under the tree…
What should you put in a Christmas Eve box?
There are a number of items suitable for Christmas Eve boxes, including these ideas:
The box itself – which can be anything from an old cardboard box wrapped in wrapping paper, to a personalised wooden box that can be reused each year.
Christmas pyjamas – many families opt to put in a pair of fluffy, cosy or festively-designed PJs to wear on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning in the box. Bonus points if the whole family is matching.
Slippers – who doesn’t love a novelty Christmas slipper?
Christmas jumper – if you’d rather not spend on PJs, why not consider a Christmas jumper? It can be worn on December 25, and throughout the festive season.
Hot chocolate – a warm, milky drink to help your youngsters (or, you know, you) drift off to sleep before the big day.
Christmas snacks – you could, if you wanted, include a few sweets or biscuits as part of a box.
Board games – something fun for all the family to do, as you enjoy an exciting Christmas Eve, full of anticipation.
Christmas storybook – find a children’s storybook with a festive theme, to read them before bed. Hopefully, that way they’ll get some sleep… and won’t wake you up at 4am.
Something to leave out for Santa – be it a mince pie, a carrot for Rudolph and co., a plate to leave it all on, or a letter written to him, it’s certainly a good idea to involve Santa in the Christmas Eve box fun.
A puzzle or jigsaw – something to keep them entertained, and to tire them out before Santa arrives.
Activity books – As above! For example, you could choose a Christmas-themed colouring book with a few colourful pencils or crayons.
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