Christmas boxes are a fairly recent tradition, but they have quickly gained popularity over the last decade. What started out as more of a homemade thing has now turned into big business with more retailers bringing out new box designs every year and even pre-filled boxes available on Etsy. They can form a really special part of your Christmas tradition whether you give them at the beginning of December as an advent box or on Christmas Eve. If you are looking to introduce one to your family this guide will explain what they are and what to put in them.
Advent Box or Christmas Eve Box?
The first thing to decide when creating your box is when it will be given. With boxes often containing several Christmas themed items, it may be wise to give (or have your elf on the shelf bring) them on the 1st December giving children more time to enjoy the contents. Alternatively, some parents give a box on both dates with contents relevant to that part of the season, it’s all personal choice and I’m sure your children will be thrilled either way.
How To Choose The Box
Next you need to choose a suitable container. It could either be a shop bought non-specific gift box, any box you’ve painted or wrapped in festive paper or one of the countless other options on the high street or online, from cardboard to wooden boxes, personalised or not. You could even get crafty and create something unique like these ideas from Hobbycraft. It really is up to you.
One thing to consider is what you want to fit inside as boxes can vary in size so much. I wanted to reuse mine every year and knew the tiny pyjamas would soon grow to much bigger sizes so was sure to check out the dimensions first, it was surprising how small some were. These two are both a fair size, the Ginger Ray version can be personalised with the included stickers while this cute cardboard Hallmark one folds flat, taking up less of your valuable storage space.
What To Put In An Advent Box
If you decide to create both boxes or give the box on the 1st December you could include things like Christmas pyjamas to get maximum wear from them (see my article about matching Christmas pyjamas here) just don’t forget to have them washed by Christmas Eve! Crafts to create through the month and add to your decorations (you could go retro with these paper chains), you could even include the advent calendars if the box is big enough to accommodate them (check out this post if you want ideas to make your own advent calendars). You could also include Christmas books (like this advent one) or maybe a letter to Santa set.
What To Put In A Christmas Eve Box
Christmas Eve can be a tricky day trying to keep overexcited kids entertained while you mentally prepare for Father Christmas's visit after bedtime! That’s where a Christmas Eve box can help satisfy that eagerness to get to the presents while providing things to do or even to help the kids relax. Set it up so they find it Christmas Eve morning and it can help give you activities to do all day. If you have an elf that visits your house in December then it can be fun if the Elf leaves the Christmas Box on Christmas Eve as a good present as they go back to Father Christmas.
Of course if you have saved the Christmas pyjamas they can go in but why not add fluffy socks, maybe an eye mask, plus pre-bedtime treats like a bath bomb and a hot chocolate set, anything to get them ready for an early night. You could of course include crafts (like this Christmas craft box) or activities to keep them amused. Maybe even a small board game or card game. Another option is film night treats (like this festive popcorn selection) if you want to get cosy and watch a Christmas classic before bed. The possibilities really are endless and can be tailored to your family or existing traditions.
Christmas Eve Box Ideas For Adults
With more and more advent calendars available for adults, there is no reason they can’t get in on the Christmas Eve box tradition as well. You could either add pyjamas and treats for the adults to make a family box or make a separate one for each person. You could even create one as a fun twist on the Christmas hamper for those hard to buy for relatives and present it to them before Christmas. I did this last year for a couple and included some cocktail miniatures, biscuits and a new ornament - they were thrilled!
