Learn how to create a Family Christmas Eve Box, a tradition ideas that the kids love!
If you are looking for a new-ish Christmas tradition this season, let me introduce you ot these Christmas Eve Box ideas (they are great for kids and for adults), and stretch the Christmas joy out even longer.
Some traditions are great for all ages and seasons of live, others must adapt as the family expands, changes and grows older. This is the magical part about it, our traditions will continue to change, some will remain, but there is always something special to look forward to.
We’ve been doing a Christmas Eve Box for many years and it’s one of my favorite Christmas traditions. Each year on Christmas Eve we gather around to open our Christmas Eve Boxes, which are full of simple Christmas goodies and items that will help make the Christmas season special for us all.
Our Christmas Eve Crate always include new pajamas, a Christmas movie or book, and special snacks (hot chocolate, popcorn, candy etc). Let them open it on Christmas Eve and wear the pjs, watch the movie/read the book and eat the snacks….
These are some of my favorite things to put in our Christmas Boxes.
Seasonal Items To Add To Christmas Boxes
Advent Calendars
December 1st is the day we start our advent calendars. Trader Joe’s has them for $1. You can also find them at World Market, but these ones are great too.
Special Ornament
Each year my kids get a special ornament. It usually corresponds with something we’ve done that year or somewhere we’ve gone. But if you can’t think of anything, this Hallmark ornament is awesome! I feel like Hallmark has all the best ornaments!
Xmas Eve Box Activities
Christmas Books
One of my favorite Christmas traditions in our family is the opening of Christmas books. We own a ton of Christmas books for kids and before the beginning of December I wrap 24 of them in wrapping paper and put them under our tree in a basket. Each night of the month before Christmas we pick a book to unwrap and read it. It’s a fun tradition that helps to keep us reading during the busy season and to help us remember the true meaning of Christmas.
Gingerbread Kits
Trader Joe’s has adorable gingerbread kits right now for $10. I also love this Candy Land one.
Family Games
Our family LOVES playing games! It’s been so fun watching my kids get a little older and all be able to play the same games together. Some of our favorites are Catan, UNO, Ticket to Ride, Apples to Apples Jr., Guess Who, Monopoly, Clue, Bananagrams, Scrabble, Exploding Kittens, Bird Bingo, Cat Bingo, Bug Bingo, Elevensies, Life, Pie Face, Hedbanz, Spot It, Catch Phrase, and Word Slam.
Puzzles
Every Christmas Eve we like to have a “puzzle-off.” We team off into boys vs. girls and see who can finish first. It’s kind of silly, but a lot of fun! I’m eyeing these Christmas puzzles here and here.
Christmas Stickers
These are great for keeping my little ones happy! I love these stickers because they are cheap and plentiful!
Christmas Crafts
We love doing Christmas crafts through the month. This is a great list of crafts.
Christmas Ornament Kits
We love making our own ornaments so one of the crafts is always an ornament. You can get these great ornament kits to help.
Christmas Coloring Books
Coloring is a great way to keep kids and even adults entertained. I love this adult coloring book. And these ones for the kids.
Holiday Movie
I love all Holiday movies! I can’t wait until November 1st rolls around so I have an excuse to watch them. There are some great ones on Netflix right now, but if you don’t already have a library full of Christmas movies, it’s a great idea to put one in your December 1st box. My favorites are here, here, and here! I can’t pick just one!
Clothing for your Christmas Eve Boxes
Matching Pajamas
This is by far my favorite Christmas tradition! Every year I buy matching pajamas for our whole family. We wear them throughout the month, but always on Christmas eve! It makes for a lot of fun and cute pictures on Christmas morning. Hannah Anderssen has a lot of cute matching pajamas. I also love these ones and think I’ll get them this year.
Christmas Socks
It’s fun to have matching socks to go with our matching pajamas. These ones are coming this year!
Christmas Hats
Nothing is more festive than matching Christmas hats! Love these ones.
Christmas Slippers
Our house is freezing in the winter so I love having slippers for everyone in the family. These ones are adorable. I also love these!
Food
Christmas Mugs with Hot Cocoa
My kids are getting these adorable Christmas mugs this year with hot cocoa in them.
Holiday Cookie Cutters
We love all cookies, but Linzer Cookies are a Christmas tradition. I just upgraded my Linzer cookie cutter set with these this year and love them!
Popcorn and Candy to go with the Movie
The Best Christmas Eve Box Ideas
What are your family Christmas traditions? I love that every family is different. I’d love to hear yours.
Also, if you’re really on top of things, you can start planning your Easter Basket Ideas here!
