What is a Christmas eve box and how to make one

Because some of us simply can't wait until Christmas Day

what is a christmas eve box?
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Now that summer is officially over (sob), we're looking toward Christmas to save us from this end of year slump we feel coming on.

However, in terms of getting hands on though, we're a bit limited. We can't start searching for the perfect turkey, we're not close enough to pick out a tree (real or artificial) and the radio is yet to start playing festive bangers...

So imagine our delight when we found an extra, festive activity to add to our schedules: a Christmas Eve box.

Adults and children alike love them, and they mean you can get as crafty as you want PLUS do some extra shopping.

What is a Christmas eve box?

Christmas eve boxes are typically given to children as a way to break up the anticipation of the next day with small gifts and activities.

They can be as simple as a cardboard box or as elaborate as an engraved wooden chest, filled with sweets, pyjamas, films, books and games.

In recent years they've caught on a little more and now make a nice activity for any age to come together on Christmas Eve and unpackage the boxes. As well as this you can get the whole family involved and each member can make one for another member – that way it's a surprise for everyone, and who doesn't love a present?

Plus it means that come Christmas Day, you know you can beaver away in the kitchen in peace in the morning while the children are occupied playing with the games, books and presents they received the night before.

It really does pay to be prepared!


How to make a Christmas eve box

It's really simple and can be as crafty as you want to make it.

  1. Find a box - an old shoebox works perfectly as can perfectly fit a pyjama t-shirt in, as well as a book or some snacks and toys. Some people like to go all out and buy ready-made wooden chests, you can grab one from IKEA, that can be then be painted and fit in much larger-sized gifts.
  2. You can then decorate the box using decoupage, Christmas wrapping paper, photos, stickers or paints – you can even get the kids involved decorating their own to build up the anticipation.
  3. Then choose how to fill it. Think pyjamas, hot chocolate sachets and marshmallows, chocolate, games, a Christmas movie and popcorn, Reindeer food, a Christmassy book.
  4. Give them out on Christmas Eve!

    If you're stuck for ideas as to what to fill your boxes with, then we've put together a handy guide below, filled with ideas and gifts:

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