The Christmas Eve box is the new must-do holiday tradition for a reason! It’s a wonderfully simple way to calm the pre-Christmas excitement and create a cozy, memorable evening for the whole family. If you’re ready to start this magical tradition, our guide has dozens of ideas for every age and budget.
What to Put in a Christmas Eve Box: The Essentials
Think of the Christmas Eve box as a “cozy kit” for the perfect night in. While you can customize it however you like, here are a few classic items that never fail to bring a smile.
A. Cozy Comforts for a Snuggly Night
- Fresh Pajamas: There’s nothing quite like slipping into brand-new PJs. This is the most popular item for a reason! You could go for a festive theme with reindeer or snowflakes, pick out pajamas featuring their favorite characters, or even get a matching set for the whole family for that perfect holiday photo-op.
- Slippers or Cozy Socks: Keep those little toes toasty! A pair of fluffy slippers or thick, fuzzy socks are perfect for padding around the house while waiting for Santa.
B. A Story to Settle Down With
- A Christmas-Themed Book: Reading a story together is a beautiful way to calm the excitement before bedtime. Choose a classic like ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas or find a new holiday tale to discover together. For a unique cultural touch, you could even introduce the Icelandic tradition of Jolabokaflod (the “Christmas Book Flood”), where everyone exchanges books on Christmas Eve and spends the evening reading.
C. Festive Treats to Enjoy
- Hot Chocolate: A special sachet of gourmet hot chocolate, or even a fun “hot chocolate bomb,” makes the evening feel extra special. Don’t forget the marshmallows and a sprinkle of cinnamon!
- Yummy Snacks: What’s a cozy night without snacks? A bag of microwave popcorn is perfect for a Christmas movie marathon, or you could include some festive cookies, a gingerbread man, or a small bag of their favorite sweets.
D. A Special Delivery for Santa and His Reindeer
- A Plate for Santa’s Cookies: Include a special plate reserved just for Santa’s treats. You could even get a plain ceramic plate and some porcelain markers for a fun DIY activity.
- Reindeer Food: Prepare Santa’s helpers for their long journey! A small bag of “reindeer food” (usually a mix of oats and edible glitter) is a magical touch. Here’s a simple, wildlife-safe recipe: just mix rolled oats with some colorful sugar sprinkles.
- Santa’s Magic Key: Don’t have a chimney? No problem! A “magic key for Santa” is a sweet way to reassure your little ones that Santa will be able to find his way in. You can often find these in gift shops or make your own by tying a festive ribbon to an old-fashioned key.
Unique and Creative Christmas Eve Box Ideas
Want to make your box even more personal? Here are some creative ideas to take it to the next level.
- A Personalized Ornament: Start a collection by adding a new ornament to the box each year. Get one personalized with your child’s name and the year to create a beautiful timeline of memories on your Christmas tree.
- A Letter to Santa Kit: For any last-minute wishes! Include some special festive paper, a nice pen or sparkly crayon, and an envelope addressed to the North Pole.
- A Christmas Movie or Streaming Gift Card: Dedicate the evening to a family movie night. Include a DVD of a Christmas classic or a gift card for a streaming service to rent a new release.
- A Small Toy or Game: Keep busy minds occupied with a small jigsaw puzzle, a fun card game like Uno, or a mini LEGO set. It’s a great way to spend some quality time together.
- An Activity or Coloring Book: A Christmas-themed coloring book with a fresh set of crayons or colored pencils is a perfect quiet-time activity.
Christmas Eve Box Ideas by Age
Tailor the contents to your child’s age to ensure everything is a hit!
- For Toddlers (1-3 years old): Focus on simple, safe, and sensory items. A festive-themed board book, a soft plush toy, a simple wooden puzzle, and some toddler-friendly snacks are great choices.
- For Kids (4-7 years old): This is the prime age for Christmas magic! They’ll love a craft kit (like making their own ornament), a simple game the family can play, and of course, the reindeer food and Santa key.
- For Older Kids (8-12 years old): For the kids who might be “too cool” for some traditions, try a chapter book from a favorite author, a more challenging puzzle or model kit, a DIY kit for making bracelets or slime, or even a gift card for their favorite online game.
Where to Find Your Christmas Eve Box and Fillers
You don’t have to spend a fortune to create a beautiful box.
The Box Itself:
- DIY Options: Get creative and decorate a plain wooden crate from a craft store, a simple cardboard box, or even a festive gift bag. Let the kids help decorate it for an extra personal touch!
- Ready-Made Options: Many stores sell beautiful, ready-made Christmas Eve boxes. You can find personalized wooden boxes on sites like Etsy that can become a cherished family heirloom.
The Fillers:
- Budget-Friendly Ideas: Stores like Target, Walmart, and even your local dollar store are fantastic for finding affordable fillers like festive socks, candy, and craft supplies.
- Unique Finds: For something extra special, check out small businesses on Etsy or visit local Christmas markets for handmade treats, unique toys, and personalized items.
Start a New Family Tradition
The Christmas Eve box is more than just a box of goodies; it’s a tradition that creates a pocket of calm and connection during a busy season. It’s about the shared laughter over a board game, the quiet cuddles during a bedtime story, and the collective gasp of wonder as you sprinkle reindeer food on the lawn.
We hope this guide has inspired you to start your own Christmas Eve box tradition this year.
Share the Magic with Everyone You Love
The best part of creating a Christmas Eve box is seeing the joy on your child’s face. What if you could share that magical moment with grandparents, aunts, and uncles, no matter where they are?
With the JusTalk Kids app, your children can safely make a video call to family and let them be part of the tradition. Imagine Grandma’s smile as she watches them unbox their new PJs and a special storybook. It’s a safe, fun, and easy way to bring the whole family together this Christmas.
Keep the connection going this holiday season. Download JusTalk Kids today and make memories that bridge any distance!