Christmas Eve was never an incredibly exciting time in my home growing up so when I saw the idea for a Christmas Eve Box for the kids, I was immediately intrigued.
By not incredibly exciting, I mean that we (my sister and I) were incredibly excited for the following day but we had nothing that happened on that day to be excited about in and of itself or to distract us from the fact that as we slept Santa and all of his reindeer were going to fly to our house, come down the chimney (or break in the door, either or) and drop presents off under our tree.
I remember lying in my bed trying desperately to go to sleep so Santa could come because I was scared if I couldn’t sleep then I wouldn’t get any presents! One night when I was around 7 I could have sworn I heard the sleigh bells flying over head …
When I had my own kids I decided I wanted to do something to make Christmas Eve a significant day for them too, to stretch the holiday cheer out and start a new family tradition. So I turned to Pinterest (as you do!) and discovered the Christmas Eve Box tradition.
In America and the UK, Christmas is of course in the middle of winter so the ideas I came across consisted of winter goodies like hot chocolate and fudge pudding. In the middle of summer this was not going to work so I had to come up with my own ideas for our box.
So what is it?
A Christmas Eve Box is a big box dropped off by Santa’s Elves on your doorstep the night before Christmas. It contains items to keep the kids busy and entertained that evening and sets up a chance to relax as a family before the mayhem of the following day.
If you have something you need to do that night (like help ‘Santa’ put up a trampoline say, then start the movie portion of the box early or you too could be up till 11.30pm on Christmas Eve putting it up with a head lamp!). That is if you are like my husband and think that you know better than the instructions and cut corners only to discover that their was a reason to the order and you have to take it all down and do it again! Men!
We did our first Christmas Eve box last year and it contained these items:
A CHRISTMAS STORY
I stumbled across Father Christmas Needs A Wee on the Book Depository last year and I thought that was right up the alley of little boys, especially given one was toilet training at the time. I had no idea what to expect but it’s actually a really fun rhyming little book that we now have to read year round. Short and easy (key word: short!).
‘Father Christmas needs a wee. He’s been drinking drinks since half past three …’ At each different house that he visits Father Christmas drinks and eats all the goodies left out for him. Before long he really, really, really needs a wee. So much so that he even forgets to leave the presents behind. But he dashes back, delivers all the pressies and flies home at high speed to avoid an embarassing accident …there’s just one tiny problem …he’s lost his house key!
This year we have Slinky Malinki’s Christmas Crackers from the ever charming Hairy Maclary series which my boys have just recently fallen in love with. I’ll let you know what they think!
Slinky Malinki’s Christmas Crackers is a hilarious rhyming story by New Zealand author Lynley Dodd. ‘Christmas was coming. Out came the tree, dressed up in finery, splendid to see. Trinkets and tinsel with baubles and bows, a mouse with a hat and a very red nose…’ So begins Lynley Dodd’s cracking Christmas tale told in her usual rollicking, rhythmic rhyme. Festive preparations are being made in Slinky Malinki’s house and the rapscallion, mischievous cat is most curious about the Christmas tree. With its reindeer, ribbons, baubles and bells, it’s too tempting a treat for Slinky not to investigate. So Slinky Malinki, with mischievous glee, creeps out from the shadows to climb up the tree…
NEW PJ’S
Out with the flannelette (we live in a cooler part of NZ so yes, we do wear flannelette right up until Christmas!) and out with the summer PJ’s! There cute boys pajamas are from Charlie and Me. The idea is that the kids get dressed up in their brand new PJ’s for the evening, who doesn’t love hopping into brand new jammies!
If you’re in the Northern Hemisphere then flannelette and cute fleecy onesies or dressing gowns (robes!) may be the go for you!
A DVD (OR MOVIE VOUCHER)
The entertainment part of the box is of course the family Christmas movie to watch as a family that evening. We don’t have a DVD player so I just chose one that had been on TV and recorded it ready to watch that night. In place of the DVD (video in our day – boy that makes me fee old!) I pop a ‘movie voucher’ to view the movie of choice in the box but if you have a DVD player you may like to just buy one and start a Christmas collection.
MOVIE SNACKS AND GOODIES!
Christmas Eve is the perfect opportunity to have a few special treats in the box to enjoy with your family movie! Whether it be some chocolate Santa’s or gold coins, popcorn, chippies, cookies or marshmallows, choose things that they don’t get every day so there is some novelty to it. Last year we did chips and popcorn kernels to pop our own popcorn. This year I am putting in all the makings of the perfect ice-cream sundae – chocolate sauce, sprinkles (AKA hundreds and thousands!), wafers, chocolate drops, waffle cones … the kids can create any ice-cream creation they desire (and so can I!). Yum!
For those huddled inside against the winter elements then cute mugs and hot chocolate sachets would be a cool addition!
MAGIC REINDEER FOOD
The reindeer have to figure out where to land somehow!
Make some reindeer food out of rolled oats and coloured sugar or edible glitter and add the following label to your jar or bag:
Sprinkle on the lawn at night
The moon will make it sparkle bright
As Santa’s reindeer fly and roam
This will guide them to your home.
Then take the kids outside and let them scatter it on the lawn so the reindeer know where to land and can have a snack while Santa delivers the presents!
SANTA’S MAGIC KEY
Just before they hop into bed, after the reindeer food has been scattered and the milk and cookies (or homemade truffles in our house!) have been laid out, hang out the key that arrives in the pack outside one of your doors. This is a very special key, for the elves have sent it just for your house! The poem attached to the key (use an old skeleton key if you can find one lying around somewhere!) is:
This key is very special you see,
It won’t work for just you and me …
Hang it just outside your door,
Go to bed and worry no more …
Close your eyes and close them tight,
For Santa Clause is coming tonight.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS
If you’re not a movie family then there are so many other things you can put in the box. Why not make it the opportunity to collect a new family board game every year and play it for the first time that night? From a cheap packet of dominoes to Uno, to Jenga and Twister. There are also downloadable Christmas themed colouring in pages that you could print and include with new crayons or felt tips or anything along those lines! We are going to make thank you cards for Santa with some new crayons and paper to leave with the milk and cookies this year as an added afternoon activity.
Do you do a Christmas Eve Box? Does this post inspire you to think about starting one as a new family tradition? What Christmas family traditions do you have?
*Free printable Reindeer Food and Santa’s Key available! CLICK HERE or on the image for your free PDF.
What a beautiful idea for Christmas Eve! Not sure what our Eve plans are this year, following church we usually watch the Carols on TV – but this box might be a lovely new tradition to begin xx
Josefa Pete recently posted…Random Act of Spending 50K in One Day
Thanks Josefa, it doesn’t cost much and they always need new PJ’s right? 😉 I can’t wait to pull out the Xmas album!
This is lovely and such a sweet round-up of ideas. We have special treats on Chistmas Eve but maybe this year I will pop them into a box first instead to build the hype.
Jody at Six Little Hearts recently posted…Myer Giftorium Melbourne Grand Opening…
Thanks Jody! You totally should, the fact it comes in a wrapped box make it all the more exciting and it’s really not an expensive thing to organise (mind you, more kids = more pairs of PJ’s!). I’d love to know if you decide to give it a whirl 🙂
This is such a fantastic idea. If only I knew about this when my kids were little as I would have done this for sure. I am going to send this link to my sister who has younger kids as she always loves new ideas. #IBOT Team
Natalie @ our parallel connection recently posted…A letter to my sons …
I hope your sister likes it Natalie, my boys will be old enough to enjoy it a little more this year.
What a cute idea…
Lydia C. Lee recently posted…Epiphany
It is huh 🙂
This is a gorgeous idea! When I was little I would hear a bell ringing in the evening. I was certain it was sleigh bells and it felt SO DAMN MAGICAL. I think I was 9 or 10 when I went tearing around looking for the sleigh and found Dad crouched around the side of the house with a porcelain bell and a red face 🙂 I wasn’t upset, in fact I loved him for giving me that bit of magic each year! After that, Christmas Eve became the big night at our place- a huge party. I loved it and miss it so much now that Mum has passed. Maybe I’ll start this up instead for miss 3 – thanks 🙂
Amy @ HandbagMafia recently posted…Women of Words Blogcast: Feminism
Oh that is so awesome! I might have to do that! I feel ya, I think part of my desire to really get into Christmas and create family traditions has to do with wanting to have my boys experience the joy of Christmas and recreate some excitement myself. It’s yet another occasion that the loss of my mum is felt profoundly so I’m trying to make something NEW. You get it. x
I have never heard of a Christmas Eve box. What a great idea!
We’ll be in the USA for Christmas this year. We’re about to learn a whole new set of traditions …
Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit recently posted…Day 2217 – Googling your symptoms
Oh that’ll be awesome Leanne! Hot chocolate and mulled wine! I really want to experience a white Christmas just once in my lifetime.
We don’t have a tradition like this on Christmas Eve but I want one! What a great idea. This post has got me super excited for Christmas!
Bec Senyard recently posted…How to Shop For Yourself With Little Kids in Tow
Yay! I’m so glad, writing it got me excited too! I ordered their PJ’s yesterday, I looooove choosing the boys pyjamas! Weirdo 😉 Do it and let me know how you go!
This is such a cool idea. We have a tradition of watching The Grinch on Christmas Eve 🙂
JodiGibson (@JFGibsonWriter) recently posted…Burn out. Or something.
I’ve never seen The Grinch! Is it good? Must be if you watch it every year huh!
No Christmas Eve box here, I think my three girls (14, 15 & 17) might be a tad too old but we do a Christmas Eve cook up. Basically a huge meal of all our Christmas favourites that provides enough left overs till boxing day, so I really can relax for Christmas.
Raychael Case recently posted…Event Ready with NEWA Rejuvenation System
Just a tad too old maybe 🙂 Christmas Eve sounds fun at your place though! I think you have the right idea for sure, hosting is hard work.
What a great idea!
Vanessa recently posted…Soapies vs Reality TV
Thanks! Fun aye 🙂
I love this idea. Have seen it around recently, and am going to do it this year for my son. I think I will follow your suit, as it is stinking hot here Christmas, so hot chocolate is not going to go down well. Thanks for the reminder!
Kelly recently posted…BUT FIRST, I GOT TO TAKE A SELFIE (STARRING, ME)
You’re welcome! That’s why I posted this now, even though it’s only November it gives everyone a chance to organise it! 🙂
I love Christmas Eve traditions. My inlaws go all National Lampoon on the lights, so Christmas Eve we set up at their place and pass out lollies to passers by. Boatman even wears a Santa suit. It’s good fun 🙂
EssentiallyJess recently posted…Step Away From the Blog #IBOT
How cool! That’s an awesome tradition! You do realise that means you will have to do that for your grandchildren right? 😉
love love love this idea!!!! I am a huge Christmas lover and I cant help myself but to go all out. I am so doing this idea. We are trying to come up with Christmas traditions for our family now that we have a baby, I think this might be one of them 🙂
lu @ looking for mama me recently posted…Audrey & Me Review and Giveaway!
It’s so much fun Lu! I can’t wait!
Great idea! I’ll have to remember that for when I’m a grandma 🙂
Janet aka Middle Aged Mama recently posted…Yummy Mummy or Motherly Mother?!
Totally! You’ll be the coolest grandma in town! 🙂
We do this with my family and it’s so much fun! Such a nice way to get that Christmas fun going!!!
Meagan Kerr recently posted…LLL Plus Size Fashion Show 2015
Awesome Meagan!
I love this! We have a tradition of all getting new PJS on Christmas Eve, mostly because I am vain and want us to look semi decent in our christmas morning photos!
Claire @ Life on Wallace recently posted…Driving while distracted by kids
Haha … same! 😉 This is just a different way of doing it. I’m doing it for the CHILDREN. Not for me AT ALL!
Christmas Eve Box – what a great idea. It’s a bit late for me since my children are well and truly grown up but I do have many fond memories of being up half the night wrapping presents and putting toys together.
Lyn aka TheTravellingLindfields recently posted…Raymond Island, Victoria
I love choosing wrapping paper every year too! Is that weird?!
I’ve seen Christmas Eve boxes on Pinterest too and I totally want to do it with bub. I think we’ll start it next year because she still doesn’t fully get the concept of Christmas yet but I think next year when she’s 3 she’ll be really into it.
Toni @ Finding Myself Young recently posted…Mummy Must Have Review | Lil Sunshine Collections
You could do a trial run this year Toni so you’re on par next year! You’d be surprised how much she gets excited even at 2, my 1 year old was excited last year just with the whole ‘newness’ of it all! And a box. Boxes are awesome to 1 year olds 🙂
Such a gorgeous idea! We don’t have any Christmas traditions yet, might need to start this one 🙂
Mumma McD recently posted…10 ways life with toddlers is like being at the zoo
This is an easy one to start, compared to say creating an event for an advent calendar for 25 days of the month! I took on the lazy mums guide to Christmas traditions! Haha.
What an awesome idea! I really love it. Thanks for sharing!
xx
Angie @ The Little Mumma recently posted…The Wedding Body: adventures in getting fit
You’re welcome!
Love it! I think my boys would love this too. We did magic reindeer food last year, and it was a hit! 🙂
Your boys WOULD love this Morgan! Might keep them out of mischief for 5 minutes anyway 😉
Oh I just love this idea. I only wish my kids were little again. I’m going to hang onto this idea until I have grandkids, (which is still a long way off) We have our big traditional Christmas dinner on Christmas eve, as my family originates from Holland where Christmas is celebrated on the 24th. We love that we have extended celebrations.
Nicole @ The Builder’s Wife recently posted…My Very First Live Presentation Masters Love Your Home
I didn’t know that Holland celebrates Christmas on the 24th! You learn something every day. What is the reason behind that?
I’ve been looking at these on Pinterest this week and I’ve been getting excited about making ours. Thanks for putting this list together, it’s got the best of all the ideas put together. xxx #sharewithme
Alexandra @imeverymum recently posted…Mum of 3 Accused of Fraud After Following Vision Express Customer Helpline
Oh yay! I’m happy to help!
We haven’t done a Christmas Eve box yet, but have the magic reindeer food. Our eldest has such a look of concentration as he evenly sprinkles the magic food over the lawn, just priceless! Might have to try the box idea though, got to keep the joy of Christmas going as long as possible!
Emma @ Life, kids and a glass of red recently posted…A genie gives you $50k to spend in a day…
Do it Emma! I want everyone to do it because it’s so much fun! My boys turned the jar upside down and dumped it all in a pile. LOL.
I’m doing one for the first time this year. Love the idea of Christmas themed colouring in. I will be pinching that one! #sharewithme
Claire at Life Love and Dirty Dishes recently posted…Rookie Mistakes – A Guest Post by Mess, Stress and Fancy Dress
Cool Claire! 🙂
What a fantastic idea! My mum sent me a picture of something similar a couple of weeks ago and now I’ve got loads of ideas for one. This may be the first year we do it but it will be great! 🙂
Morgan Prince recently posted…A Good Cleaning Day Can Brighten Your Outlook
Awesome! What are some of your ideas? Are they different to these?
Haidee recently posted…Sum Up #12: Kids Stocking Stuffers
Something similar, movie snacks, a new movie to watch. New pyjamas. I’m thinking of getting a special plate for Santa treats and I’m sure LP would love that. Oh yes, and a new top trumps game – the boys LOVE Top Trumps. 🙂
Morgan Prince recently posted…Stop Thinking and Start Doing
Oooohhhh, a special plate! Cool idea!
What a great idea, I’ve never heard of it before. My BFF did get a proper ‘key’ to put out for santa with his mince pie, carrot and drink though so I think that’s a lovely idea if you don’t have a chimney. Our traditions are Christmas jammies, movies and popcorn #brilliantblogposts xo
Lizzie Roles recently posted…Weekly Happy List
Put the Christmas jammies, key, movie and popcorn in a box and there you have it! 🙂
Haidee recently posted…Sum Up #12: Kids Stocking Stuffers
I love love love Christmas (obvs!) and a Christmas Eve box is such a lovely idea. We also give the kids a candlelit bath / shower on Christmas Eve before snuggling down in front of a film with a big bowl of homemade popcorn. Btw – do have a look at Elfie’s Christmas Letters :). You might love them.
International Elf Service recently posted…Two Brilliant Paper Folding Books For Kids!
Cool! I do have one I wrote last year but I’ll check it out!
Haidee recently posted…Sum Up #12: Kids Stocking Stuffers
Oh that is such a wonderful idea! I’m totally going to do that this year. Christmas Eve when I was a kid was Mum wrapping up last minute Christmas presents while watching Carols by Candlelight on TV.
Rebecca Bowyer recently posted…How the many voices in my head would spend $50k in a day
Your boys will love it Rebecca 🙂
Haidee recently posted…Sum Up #12: Kids Stocking Stuffers
We never did anything in particular as kids, except lay out the mince pies and carrots for Father Christmas and Rudolph (the other reindeer never get a look in!), but I really want to do a box for Marianna as she grows up. I’ve got an Elf on the Shelf too so my plan is that it will be his leaving present every year. 😀 #brilliantblogposts
Jessica Powell recently posted…Christmas at Debenhams
Yep, we have an Elf on the Shelf too! Pop back next Tuesday, I have a post going up with photos of some of what we did last year 🙂
Haidee recently posted…Sum Up #12: Kids Stocking Stuffers
I love these! Did our first last year too, but think toddler will be more excited this year! I put in similar things. #brilliantblogposts
Silly Mummy recently posted…I Resent to You: The Ten Funniest Things The Toddler Said Last Week
I’m sure the older they get the more excited they are about it. Though my 2 year old is leading the chase in excitement levels right now!
Haidee recently posted…Sum Up #12: Kids Stocking Stuffers
Just stopping by again from #brilliantblogposts xxx
Alexandra @imeverymum recently posted…Everything’s Falling Apart
Right back at ya!
Haidee recently posted…Sum Up #12: Kids Stocking Stuffers
This is such a fantastic idea! I’m going to make a box this year. I love what you put inside too! I’m pinning so I can refer back again when I go to make the box. I remember trying to fall asleep Christmas eve too, it’s so hard when you are so excited! I’m visiting from brilliant blog posts x
Becky, Cuddle Fairy recently posted…My Interview With Santa Claus
Thanks Becky, and thanks for the shout out on Twitter too! Now I have trouble falling asleep because I am so excited to see their reaction in the morning!
Haidee recently posted…Sum Up #12: Kids Stocking Stuffers
Love this idea might have to start the tradition for my little girl xx
Do it! 🙂
I have always loved the idea of these boxes but I never get around to doing it. One of my issues is that the PJ part is SO cute but my kids prefer to sleep naked or in knickers. Maybe I should just include new undies?
Becky from BeckyandJames recently posted…Me: 0, Life: All the wins
Why not! Cute undies sounds like a great idea!
Love these ideas. We all love Hairy McLary books, will definitely check the Christmas one out 🙂
Sarah – Craft Invaders recently posted…Christmas Liqueur
I’m sure it’ll be good, her books always are 🙂
I had not seen these until recently and I think they are a brilliant idea! I think Mia is a bit young this year but its definitely something I will be starting up for her next year! 🙂
#brillblogposts
Yay! You’ll enjoy it just as much as her I’m sure 🙂
Love this idea, it’s so super cute. What a beautiful tradition and i’m sure something the kids will look forward to every year. I think i’l try start ours this year aswell. Thanks for the tips!
Christine Kenny recently posted…10 must-have Moments with your Toddler
You’re welcome! Have fun with it 🙂
Haidee recently posted…Sum Up #12: Kids Stocking Stuffers
Oh you just got me in the festive spirit. I love Christmas and all it entails. Thank you ever so much for linking up to Share With Me. I hope to see you again tomorrow for another great round! #sharewithme
Jenny recently posted…Four most common DIY plumbing fails
Great ideas! We’ve not done Xmas Eve boxes yet as my son is only 2.5 but think we’ll try this year 🙂 #thelist
I’m sure he’ll love it, my youngest is just about to turn 3 and was nearly 2 last year and still enjoyed it (at the very least he loved dumping the reindeer food in a pile on the grass! Haha).
Here again with #TheList we had now bought the Father Christmas Needs a Wee book as part of their book advent and I’ve bought their Christmas Eve pyjamas, far less practical than yours as they’re Christmas themed and will probably only get worn for the holidays and then disappear. Thanks for this post again. It’s good to remember what to put in their boxes xxx
Alexandra @imeverymum recently posted…24 Things to Put on Your Advent Calendar
Hi Alexandra! What do you think of the book? My youngest makes me read it 5 times a day! Haha. Christmas jammies are a good investment for photos at least! 😊
Such a great detailed post, thank you! I’ve been toying with the idea of doing this for a year or two, now my son is 4 and my daughter is nearly 2 it might be the year to start going for it, I think they would love it. x
I think they would too! In fact, I think I would love it if someone made me one too!
Haidee recently posted…A Birthday Letter To My Littlest Man
What a lovely idea, I am definitely inspired to start this as a new tradition at our house. Thank you for sharing. #TheList
Annette recently posted…Messy play – Autumn fun cheat sheet
Go for it Annette, glad I could inspire you 🙂
Haidee recently posted…A Birthday Letter To My Littlest Man
this is such a fab idea! Christmas eve for me growing up was mainly abut food! haha! and then as i got older – drinking. But now we have our own little family christmas eve at the pub is long gone so i am looking into little traditions we can start in our family to make christmas eve almost as exciting as the day itself. So thanks for the ideas – they have really been so helpful! #TheList
Hehe, yep, those relaxing days with a cold drink in your hand and no worries or responsibility in the world … gone! But with it comes a magical aspect of Christmas that you probably haven’t felt in years! I get so excited I can barely sleep and that’s just because I know what’s in store for the kids! Have a great one! 🙂
Haidee recently posted…A Birthday Letter To My Littlest Man
This is such a lovely idea. I love the idea of spending Christmas eve reading christmas stories and watching a christmassy dvd. I love the reindeer food! My little one is too small to really appreciate something like this this year but maybe next christmas. xx #TheList
You should totally bookmark this for next Christmas Wendy, it’s really a fun way to celebrate Christmas Eve with the whole family 🙂
Haidee recently posted…A Birthday Letter To My Littlest Man
I think I’m in love with that twinkly graphic you have at the beginning. Totally signals christmas for me!
DVD and popcorn, great idea! Totes doing this now, Cheers! And merry christmas! #thelist
Oh yes, sparkles and stars! I feel ya. Hope you have fun with it!
Haidee recently posted…A Birthday Letter To My Littlest Man
Fab box idea and I LOVE the printables – I think I will use these as I’ve been looking for something like this! Thank you!
#TheList
Sian – The Mama Story recently posted…Santa Spectacular at Willows Farm
You’re very welcome! 🙂
Haidee recently posted…A Birthday Letter To My Littlest Man
Such a great post and wonderful printables! I can’t wait to put Baby’s together this year. Thanks for linking up to #TheList x
You Baby Me Mummy recently posted…A Cosy Christmas With B&Q
I love The List! Just haven’t had as many list posts as usual! Can’t wait to carry on linking up next year and thanks for popping by! xx
Haidee recently posted…The Truth About Gender Disappointment