Christmas is a special time of year. One for creating memories, sharing traditions and celebrating with family and friends. While Christmas Eve is the prelude to the big day, it can also be a special moment within itself by giving a Christmas Eve box.
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What is a Christmas Eve Box?
The giving of a Christmas Eve box is becoming increasingly popular among families in Australia, to help children get into the spirit of Christmas while also getting them ready to go to bed without a fuss.
The Christmas Eve box is said to be derived from the German tradition of opening gifts on the night before Christmas.
Some parents choose to buy pre-made Christmas Eve boxes, but you can just as easily make them from scratch. All you will need is a few gifts for each family member and a couple of boxes to put them in.
What Box Should I Use?
There are many options when it comes to the sort of box you use as your Christmas Eve box. You may have one large box that contains goodies for the whole family. Perhaps you have one box for the kids and another for the adults, or maybe each family member gets their own individual box.
Boxes can be as simple as a standard cardboard box, decorated with Christmas wrapping paper. Specialised wooden Christmas Eve boxes can also be purchased in stores and online, you can even get them personalised with your families name.
As another option, a pre-made Christmas cardboard box from department or discount stores makes a great Christmas Eve box. And if you have a Cricut machine, maybe you can personalise it yourself.
What to Put in a Christmas Eve Box
What you put in your Christmas Eve box is only limited by your imagination. Maybe you include the same sorts of things every year or perhaps you have a yearly theme, but whatever you include make sure it is fun, memorable and in the spirit of Christmas.
Here is a list of some classics that go into a Christmas Eve box. These will apply to boxes for any age group, and for all members of the family:
- Christmas books
- Matching family PJs
- A board game or card game (maybe even one with a Christmas theme)
- A Christmas movie
- Christmas treats and snacks for the movie
We realise that different ages groups require certain considerations when giving gifts. For more specific options for each family member according to their age, keep reading.
Christmas Eve Box Ideas For Babies
If we’re being honest here, a baby’s Christmas Eve box is more for you than for baby, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be useful and absolutely adorable at the same time!
Christmas Decoration
This is one we wish we did every year since our babies were born. Gifting an annual Christmas decoration means by the time they are 18, they will have 18 wonderful Christmas decorations to fill their own tree. We love this idea!
Plush security blanket
Security blankets help many babies sleep better, and they make wonderful companions during those beginning years. So this is something you can tuck your baby in with on Christmas Eve and expect to accompany them for many years to come.
Christmas swaddle
Swaddling helps soothe your baby by protecting them against their natural startle reflex. Get your baby a Christmas themed one to get them into the holiday spirit!
Christmas rattle
A fun Christmas tree-shaped rattle will help your baby’s development by providing them with auditory and visual stimulation.
Christmas socks
Christmas socks for your wee little one will keep them snuggly and warm and look so cute while at it.
Christmas cot mobile
Give your baby’s brain a boost with a Christmas mobile to hang in their cot. It’ll help your baby develop their eye-tracking abilities while adding to your Christmas decor at the same time.
Christmas Eve Box Ideas For Kids
School-aged children are the perfect kind to introduce the Christmas Eve box tradition to because they are super excited, often still believe in the magic of the holidays, and are old enough to make forever-memories from it. Here are some ideas to put in their Christmas Eve box
Festive soft toy
A fun way to get your kid to wind down and go to bed on Christmas Eve could be to have them tuck in their new stuffed friend (Christmas Beanie Boos are a popular choice).
Bubble bath or bath bombs
Sometimes getting your kid to take a bath feels nearly impossible. Bubble baths, however, are one thing you can bank on to get kids of all ages excited to get clean!
Christmas book
There are so many wonderful Australian children’s books with a focus on Christmas (which means less snow and more sand)
Christmas colouring book
Colouring is a peaceful activity that people of all ages enjoy. It’s also one that can tire a kid out if they’re at it for a while!
Fun bath towel
An exciting new bath towel or a fun hooded beach towel – if you have multiple kids, you could colour code them to encourage personal accountability (as parents of teenagers, this is something we wish we did earlier)
Their own kitchen tools and supplies
The evening before Christmas usually includes some baking or some last-minute cooking of some sort, so why not ask your child to assist in some way? Some things you can get your little one are sturdy whisks, cookie cutters, sprinkles and measuring cups.
Swimwear
The weather around Christmas time in Australia is generally hot, so popping some Christmas themed bathers, board shorts or rashie in a Christmas Eve box is both fun and practical.
Christmas Eve Box Ideas For Teenagers
This is probably the hardest age-group to please, but oh-so-rewarding when we succeed! Never fear, however, because these ideas will show them just how much you care:
Nail polish set of Christmas colours
If you’ve got a teenager interested in nail art, red, green, and white nail polish with perhaps some gold sequins to add some shimmer will definitely bring out their holiday cheer!
Bathrobe
A plush bathrobe might be just what your teenager needs to relax on Christmas Eve and prepare for the excitement of the next day.
Weighted blanket
These have wonderfully calming effects on people and help with sleep-related troubles. The weighted blanket will help your teenager fall asleep on Christmas Eve and on many days to come.
Comic books
Sharing your favourite comic books with your kid from when you were their age can make for an endearing Christmas Eve experience. The oldest items often make the fondest memories.
New earphones with a playlist of Christmas music
Music is such a big part of the holiday season and a great thing to share with your teenager. Show them you care by putting together a playlist of songs that both of you can enjoy, and pair it with a new set of earphones.
Polaroid Camera
You will get this (including film) much cheaper online, but what better way to get the teenager involved in Christmas than by making them chief photo officer!
Christmas Eve Box Ideas For Adults
Parents need Christmas-loving just as much as kids need it!
Wine
You can never go wrong with a beautiful bottle of wine when choosing a gift for a parent. Australian wine especially to support local a local vineyard like Witches Falls winery at Mount Tamborine.
Chocolate liqueur
There’s no need to think twice about this one. It’s a chocolate drink – like hot chocolate for adults.
Comfy slippers
A pair of cosy slippers to wear at home makes for a cute Christmas Eve gift for sure.
Christmas soap
The more you indulge your senses in the smells of Christmas, the better to build up your holiday experience and excitement! Get in the Christmas mood with pine-scented soap and unwind before the big day.
Christmas scented candle
Regardless of whether you’re planning to bake or buy your Christmas cookies this year, you can always ensure your house smells of gingerbread and cinnamon with a luscious Christmas candle.
Bath bombs
A Christmas bath bomb makes for a marvellous Christmas Eve treat for any adult looking to relax in the tub.
Christmas Eve Box Ideas For Your Pet
When you are filling your Christmas Eve Box with treats and gifts don’t forget your pet, after all they are a part of your family. While gifts may differ depending on what sort of pet you have, here are some ideas to get you started:
- Christmas themed food treats
- A pet decoration for the tree
- A Christmas toy
- A new blanket
- A Christmas hat or headband
Christmas and charity
Christmas represents gratitude, family, and togetherness. Nothing embodies these things more than giving back. If you want to take a step back from the Christmas Eve box traditions this year, or even if you just want to reduce how much you spend on them, consider selecting a charity Christmas gift. There are plenty to choose from. Here are just some:
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