Christmas Eve Boxes: Who, What and Why?

 The now popular Christmas Eve box is believed to have originated from the German custom of unwrapping presents on Christmas Eve, and it has evolved into a way to get into the holiday spirit with a box of goodies before the big day. 

The growth of this gift-giving tradition, however, has not gone without comment, however.  The concept of Christmas Eve boxes has already stirred disagreement among parents on the internet, with some claiming that it is simply another thing for parents to have to spend money on and that it is all for showing off on social media. 

Some, on the other hand, have pointed out that the items included in a Christmas Eve box are likely to be items that we would have purchased otherwise on the 24th of December, simply wrapped more attractively and made a bigger deal about. 

Because Christmas Eve boxes are fully personalized and specific to the recipient, the giver can be as subtle and laid back as they desire, or as opulent and grandiose as they wish with their picks.

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Who do you give a Christmas Eve box to?

When it comes to Christmas Eve boxes, the possibilities are endless. You can fill them with whatever you want and give them to whoever you want, so long as they meet your festive requirements. This could include food and drink, a tactic for getting the kids to bed early, or everything Santa needs upon his arrival into your home.

Children's boxes could include things like cute pajamas, a Christmas movie, hot chocolate and perhaps other personalized Christmas gifts. An adult box could be filled with foodie favorites and cheeky tipples to help them relax and unwind before the mayhem begins the next morning.

What is the best way to make a Christmas Eve box?

If you are interested in having a more environmentally friendly Christmas, this is a wonderful chance to upcycle something you already have. The most important thing to remember about making a Christmas Eve box is that it may be made out of any container. This could be a cardboard box, wooden box, stocking, pillow case, basket or even left over packaging. 

Put your creativity to work by decorating your upcycled container with bright ribbon, paint, or repurposed wrapping paper. The only thing that is holding you back here is your imagination and creativity!

Some ideas for Christmas Eve boxes

• A board game that the whole family can play 

• PJ’s

• Socks

• Hot chocolate and new mugs

• Christmas book

• Festive film

• Christmas candy

• Reindeer food (porridge oats and edible glitter)

• A letter from Santa reassuring them they are on the nice list

• Santa key if you do not have a chimney for him to come down

• A special decoration for the tree

• Christmas coloring books 

Traditionally, the items are not wrapped but this does not mean you can't. Some people just hand it over in the morning; others have it delivered by friends or grandparents, or the Elf on the Shelf leaving it as a farewell gift.