The Christmas Eve Box is a fun gift idea for kids and great night before Christmas activities. They are Christmas Eve crates filled with small gifts and goodies and make great Christmas Eve kids activities. If you’re wondering what to do before Christmas, try this holiday night before Christmas game or family activity!
What Are Christmas Eve Boxes and How to Do The Christmas Eve Box Tradition With Kids
You may be wondering what’s the the Christmas Eve box game trend. It’s a fun gift crate or big gift box full of Christmas presents that a family opens on the night before Christmas in anticipation of the big day the next day / Christmas morning. If you’re wondering what do you do on Christmas Eve, this is one of those super fun kids activities while kids wait for Santa’s arrival!
Here are fun DIY Christmas Eve box ideas to start as new traditions for the holidays…
How do you make a Christmas Eve box?
Easy Christmas Eve Box Ideas:
- Pajamas for the whole family
- Cozy Christmas socks
- Candy canes
- Christmas movies
- Cookie mix is a Mason jar (to make cookies for Santa)
- Hot chocolate mix in a Mason jar or hot chocolate packs
- Popcorn
- Oranges
- Filled Christmas stocking
- Dated Christmas tree ornament with the current year (or personalize Christmas ornament with names)
- The Night Before Christmas Book or Pajama Elves book
- Reindeer food
- Cozy blanket
See the full list of boxed Christmas Eve gift ideas for kids, toddlers, teens, and adults below. KEEP SCROLLING for a ton of great items for what goes into a Christmas Eve box and even how to create a theme holiday crate! We have unique Christmas Eve box ideas for themes, too!
If you’re new to this fun Christmas holiday activity, you may be wondering what is the tradition of a Christmas Eve box?
What Are Christmas Eve Boxes?
Many people make them as Christmas Eve pajama box gifts for the entire family to get everyone into a festive spirit. Others use them as the night before Christmas games boxes for family games or holiday movie night boxes with movies treats. Sometimes, people use them as childrens Christmas box gifts to give kids a nice, special gift before they open the rest of their gifts on Christmas day. A Christmas Eve box is also called a Christmas Eve crate, Christmas Eve chest boxes, or night before Christmas hamper (and there are other names for Christmas eve boxes).
Also, some parents make it a Night Before Christmas Box game and send kids on a scavenger hunt (with Christmas Eve box printable clues) and make it fun game to find their box for Christmas Eve.
There are different ways to present the Christmas gifts and special treat ideas. You can start this new family tradition for the holidays in any way that works best for your family!
Some people use a cardboard box, a cute wooden crate, or even these fun stackable holiday boxes for stuffing their Christmas Eve box with fillables.
Pajama Elves Box
There is also something called the Pajama Elves Box. The Christmas Eve Pajama Elves Box is a box made by Santa’s elves and filled with Christmas PJs and other holiday goodies. The pajamas are made with a special magic thread that helps keep kids asleep when Santa comes to deliver gifts. It’s another fun Christmas Eve boxes ideas and a way to keep the magic of the season alive for kids.
There is a Pajama Elves book that goes along with playing the Christmas Eve box game this way. Be sure to order it early and read it with the kids so they know!
You can even include a letter from the North Pole on 24th December!
When should a Christmas Eve box be used?
They’re called Christmas Eve boxes because most people give them on the evening of December 24th and makes for fun Christmas eve gift ideas for kids who are excited about getting gifts on December 25th (Christmas Day). However, you can do it the day before Christmas and some people even give them at Thanksgiving right after they put their Christmas tree up.
Do you wrap Christmas Eve box presents?
You can wrap Christmas Eve box presents. Many people just place the Christmas Eve gift ideas in the gift box or gift crate in a fun gift presentation and give it that way. However, you can do whatever you think will be most fun for your family night before Christmas gift box!
You could even do a family scavenger hunt for each wrapped gift gifts to put in Christmas Eve box. As gifts are found, put them in the Christmas crate and then unwrap them together once all the holiday gifts have been found.
If you’re new to this holiday activity, you may wonder who brings the Christmas Eve box or where do Christmas Eve boxes come from?
Is a Christmas Eve box from Santa or Parents?
Night before Christmas Eve boxes can be from parents, elves, Father Christmas or Santa. Some parents give special gifts to each kid in the night before boxes. Some play the family tradition box by saying that Santa’s elves drop off the eve of Christmas boxes and it’s filled with pajamas for Christmas day and other holiday goodies. There’s no right or wrong way to do Christmas Eve boxes and don’t get caught up on the perfect gift! Just use it to enjoy the holiday season together as a family!
What do people put in a Christmas Eve box?
Need Night before Christmas boxes ideas? Here’s how to put together a Christmas Eve box for your child, teenager, family, or even theme Christmas Eve box ideas! Remember, you can create your night before boxes any way you want! These are just ideas and tips for Christmas boxes.
Let’s start with fun ideas for childs Christmas Eve box…
What is in a Christmas Eve Box for Kids?
- Christmas Eve pjs
- Fun Christmas socks
- Personalized Christmas ornament with children’s names
- Snowman soup
- Small toys
- Special key for Santa to use (especially if you don’t have a fireplace!)
- Holiday books
- Hot cocoa with mini marshmallows
- Chocolate Christmas coins
- Winter pillowcase / Christmas pillow case
- Christmas craft kit
- Small treats or Christmas candy
- Build A Snowman treat bags for fun activities
- Letter from Santa or letter from Santa Elves (if your Christmas box is from them and not you)
If you’re doing individual crates for kids at Christmas time, try a custom Christmas box with child’s name! Such a cute idea and then you can reuse the wooden Christmas Eve box crate every year!
*If you’re doing the Christmas Eve box game for a Christmas party or for a large family sleepover, do small Christmas boxes like this with treats for everyone.
Family Christmas Box Ideas
A family holiday box is usually a Christmas Eve pj box so that the family can wear matching pajamas the morning of Christmas Day while opening gifts around the Christmas tree.
For a Christmas crate for family and even extended family members, focus on things that help you spend time together on Christmas Eve.
Ideas for Christmas In a Box for Families:
- Matching Christmas pajamas (New pajamas! There are plenty of options now for matching holiday jammies!)
- Holiday slippers
- Hot chocolate jars like this
- Things to make popcorn garland for the Christmas tree (one of our favorite family Christmas crafts!)
- Christmas board games or holiday card games (we love this one and this one for family games / night before Christmas games)
- Holiday snacks
- Christmas crackers poppers
- Reindeer Mix ingredients (use this reindeer food recipe with free printable)
- Twas The Night Before Christmas storybook
- Holiday puzzles or winter puzzle (we love this puzzle brand! BEST EVER!)
- Family holiday ornament
Settle around the fire or Christmas tree, open your Christmas Eve gift boxes, and then pick one of these family holiday movies and spend time together!
You can also make custom Christmas boxes for your family by decorating a Christmas box or even getting personalized Christmas Eve gift box with your names like this one.
Here’s what to put Christmas Eve box for different age levels…
Christmas Eve Box Ideas For Teenage Kids
Christmas Eve Box Ideas For Teenage or Tweens:
- New winter pajamas or Christmas onesie
- Portable Selfie Kit like this
- Beanie
- Christmas MadLibs
- Naughty or Nice pillowcase
- Popcorn pack (like Moose Munch)
- Takis variety pack
- Fun holiday mug with hot chocolate packets
- Hot chocolate stirrers
- Gourmet marshmallows
- Lumps of coal
- Funny naught or nice Santa letter
- Sweet treats
- Candy Cane pens and journals
- Gift cards
What To Put In Christmas Eve Box For Toddler
You can also do a special toddler’s Christmas Eve box. Just make sure that all the small gifts for younger kids are safe.
Christmas Eve Box For Toddlers Ideas:
- Cute Santa pajamas
- Christmas felts
- Christmas suckers
- Christmas coloring book and crayons
- Wood Christmas puzzle like this
- Snacks
- Christmas books / winter books
- Plush toys
- Letter from Santa or Santa’s Elves
Christmas Eve Box For Adults
What about adult Christmas Eve boxes? YES! You can also do a Christmas Eve box for adults! These are even fun theme Christmas Eve box ideas for couples!
Christmas Eve box ideas for couples and adults:
- Matching winter socks
- Cozy winter blanket (I love this chunky blanket)
- Specialty chocolate cordials or chocolates
- Hot apple cider packs
- Fun couples Christmas mugs
- Festive wine glasses and favorite wine (or sparkling cider)
- Gourmet caramels
- Fresh fruit like apples and oranges
Get creative with Christmas eve gift ideas for adults!
Christmas Eve Box Ideas For Babies
Whether you’re doing a Baby’s First Christmas Eve Box to make a newborn Christmas special or have
Ideas for baby Christmas Eve box:
- Cute baby Christmas sleeper p.j. onesie
- Baby’s first Christmas tree ornament
- Soft baby holiday books (this is a cute one with a teether ring)
- Christmas sippy cups
- Christmas plushies
Grandparents Christmas Eve Box Ideas
For grandparent Night Before Christmas crates, think memorable and meaningfulChristmas Eve box ideas!
Christmas Eve box ideas what to put in for grandma and grandpa:
- Framed pictures of grandkids
- Favorite teas or coffees with new mug for the holidays
- Snuggly slippers
- Box of greeting cards and nice pen
- Grandparent day out coupons for quality time with the family
- Nice robes
Here are fun Christmas Eve box ideas for holiday themes / winter themes.
Theme Ideas for Christmas Eve box Fillers
Get creative with these Christmas Eve box make your own themes!
Book Christmas Eve Box Theme
If you have a family of readers then a book box is a fun way to create a quiet, stress-free night before Christmas (and a great idea for the start of a Christmas Eve tradition!).
- Book for everyone (kids books and adult books)
- Cozy socks
- Hot chocolate packets, teas, mugs
- Bookmarks
- Clip-on book light
Tea Christmas Eve Box Theme
- Different teas
- Holiday mugs for each person
- Holiday socks
- Honey straws
- Tea biscuits
- Big blanket
- Holiday scented candles
Family Movie Night Christmas Eve Box
A family movie night box is a
- Christmas movie
- Popcorn
- Fun popcorn holders (we have these and love that they’re reusable)
- Assorted popcorn flavorings
- Movie snacks
- Gourmet popcorn packs
Put it all in a fun popcorn gift container like this.
Christmas Eve Crafts and Cookies Crate
A Christmas cookies and craft crate is another great way to have family time together during the busy holidays!
- Hot chocolate and mugs
- Christmas cookie mix
- Christmas cookie cutters
- Bead ornaments craft
- Treemendous Ornament Decorator
- Snowman beads craft ornament
What’s inside Christmas eve boxes, how you want to do Christmas night before boxes, and how you add these to your new family Christmas traditions is totally up to you! It’s full of Christmas fun for the Christmas season!
Have fun with the tradition of the Christmas Eve box with your family!
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FAQs
What do you put in a night Before Christmas box? ›
- Use it as a Family Night Box. Fill your box with activities that keep you busy and having fun while you wait for Santa!
- Follow a Rule. ...
- Help Kids Wind Down. ...
- New Winter Pajamas. ...
- Hot Chocolate and Marshmallows. ...
- A Christmas Book. ...
- A Small Treat. ...
- A New Family Game.
Christmas Eve box fillers – what to put in a Christmas Eve box. There really are no rules, you can put anything you want inside. But for kids, popular gifts for Christmas Eve boxes tend to include pyjamas, an activity pack or book, a novelty item, a personalised item, Christmas DVD, chocolates or sweets.
What should I do the night before Christmas? ›- Bake for Santa. It wouldn't be Christmas without leaving a plate of milk and cookies out for Santa. ...
- Check your turkey. ...
- Super sauces. ...
- Finishing touches. ...
- Last minute desserts. ...
- Star side dishes. ...
- Emergency gifts. ...
- Drink up.
Regardless of the basket you choose, you should fill the bottom with crumpled paper or another type of filler before adding the gift items. This filler provides an even, decorative base. Crumpled tissue paper is one of the most common options, but shredded paper, shredded cellophane, and straw can also work well.
What time of day do you give Christmas Eve boxes? ›Many families opt to gift it in the evening so the Christmas contents will help persuade the children to go to bed. Others opt for the box to be 'discovered' in the morning of the 24th so any games or activities can be enjoyed throughout the day.
What does Santa have to eat and drink on Christmas Eve? ›Today in the United States, leaving out a plate of cookies (Oreos and classic chocolate chip are popular choices) and a glass of milk for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve is a well-established tradition among children.
How do you make Christmas Eve extra special? ›- Open a Gift. ...
- Watch a Special Christmas Movie. ...
- Read the Christmas Story in the Bible. ...
- Have a Special Christmas Eve Dinner. ...
- Play a Family Game. ...
- Give a Christmas Eve Box. ...
- Christmas Eve Church Service. ...
- Bake Cookies for Santa.
- Bubble Bath/Shower Gel/Bath Toys. A bath is a must on the night before Christmas. ...
- New Pyjamas. ...
- Christmas DVD. ...
- Hot Chocolate. ...
- A Small Toy or Game. ...
- A Christmas Book. ...
- Colouring Book/Crafts.
- Letter From Santa.
- Something to wear - Snuggle up the night before Christmas with festive pyjamas, slippers, or a fluffy dressing gown.
- Something to do - Pop a small toy in their box or cart to distract them from sleigh watch.
Christmas Eve boxes are typically wooden or cardboard boxes that you fill with shop-bought or homemade gifts to give to someone special on 24 December.
What food can you prep on Christmas Eve? ›
- Gravy. Christmas dinner just wouldn't be Christmas dinner without a good gravy. ...
- Stuffing. ...
- Roast potatoes. ...
- Sauces. ...
- Mulled wine. ...
- Parsnips. ...
- Yorkshire puddings. ...
- Dessert.
Fill with Gifts
Select a medium to large "wow" item such as a soccer ball with pump or stuffed animal, then fill with other fun toys, hygiene items, and school supplies. Don't forget to also include a personal note and photo—sometimes these are the child's favorite things to receive!
"Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!" Most of us know this line, the ending of Clement C. Moore's classic poem "The Night Before Christmas," first published in 1823.
How many nights sleep before Christmas? ›There are 22 sleeps (or 21 days, 7 hours, 59 minutes, 54 seconds) until Christmas Day on Glasses Island. That's December 25, 2022! If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device.
What should you not do on Christmas Day? ›- DO NOT turn on any non-Christmas music. ...
- DO NOT fight with the family. ...
- DO NOT fill up on appetizers or desserts before the actual Christmas meal. ...
- DO NOT forget to bring comfortable clothes. ...
- DO NOT forget to take pictures. ...
- DO NOT forget your gifts.
- Gather gift-wrapping materials. ...
- Secure fragile items within boxes. ...
- Measure the right amount of wrapping paper. ...
- Secure the paper to the box with tape. ...
- Fold the other side for a cleaner edge. ...
- Fold the paper on each side of the present. ...
- Stand the box up and repeat folding to the other side.
While Christmas Eve boxes are a new tradition, there's no established rule as to whether you should wrap presents or not. Essentially, the gifting of presents can be anything you want whether they are unwrapped or wrapped, and you don't even have to use a box, you can buy a Christmas Eve bag instead.
Who gives gifts on Christmas Eve? ›Legendary Christmas gift-bearing figures including Santa Claus, Father Christmas, Christkind, and Saint Nicholas are also often said to depart for their annual journey to deliver presents to children around the world on Christmas Eve, although until the Protestant introduction of Christkind in 16th-century Europe, such ...
What can you not eat on Christmas Eve? ›The long tradition of eating seafood on Christmas Eve dates from the Roman Catholic tradition of abstaining from eating meat on the eve of a feast day. As no meat or animal fat could be used on such days, observant Catholics would instead eat fish (typically fried in oil).
What is Santa's favorite food? ›Santa loves his white milk and cookies, but after stopping at every child's home, give Santa Claus some flavored milk for a tasty surprise. Or switch out the milk for some holiday eggnog! Put your own twist on holiday traditions this year with your family.
What is Santa Claus's favorite drink? ›
Everyone knows that Santa's favorite way to wash down his plate of cookies is with a big glass of eggnog. This tradition has been around for decades, but have you ever asked yourself why? When did drinking this egg and milk concoction become a holiday tradition?
What is traditionally hidden in a Christmas? ›The Christmas pickle is a lesser-known Christmas tradition for some Americans. A Christmas tree decoration in the shape of a pickle is hidden on a Christmas tree, with the finder receiving either a reward or good fortune for the next year.
How can I make a Christmas amazing? ›- Make sure you plan in advance. ...
- Get the tree right. ...
- Don't be afraid to get crafty. ...
- Make your presents great... and don't forget anyone! ...
- Throw your own office party. ...
- Conquer the mighty Christmas dinner. ...
- Keep your family traditions going (and make new ones)
One popular tactic is to have your kids narrow their gift lists to just three categories: something they want (say, a new video game), something they need (like a puffer coat) and something to read (the Ramona series has been calling their name).
What is the 4 gift rule for Christmas? ›Are the days of rampant spending on children at Christmas coming to an end? A trend which has gained traction over the past few years on social media is the "four gift rule". Parents pledge to give their offspring just four presents: Something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read.
What do children put in their shoes at Christmas? ›Common treats to leave in shoes, boots or stockings left out for Saint Nicholas are fruits, nuts, chocolate, candies, cookies, coins, poems/riddles and small gifts. Some say these treats should be shared with friends and family in keeping with the spirit of giving they symbolize.
What is the 7 gift rule for Christmas? ›What is the 7-gift rule? It is the concept of buying only a set number of gifts for each individual, with each gift falling into a specific category. As you may have to guess, the specific number of gifts for this rule is 7. You buy one gift to fit in each category and by the end; you have 7 gifts to give.
How does a Christmas Eve box work? ›The beauty of a Christmas Eve box is that you can fill them with whatever you like and give them to whoever you like, as long as they suit your Christmas Eve needs – that could be food and drink orientated, a plan to get the children to go to sleep early, or everything Santa needs on his arrival into your home.
Does the elf on the shelf leave the Christmas Eve box? ›According to The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition, the night before Christmas, an elf's job comes to an end. On December 24, most Scout Elves say farewell to their families and fly back to the North Pole following Santa's sleigh.
What can you make day before Christmas? ›- Make & mature Christmas cake. ...
- Easy mince pies. ...
- Golden roast potatoes. ...
- Super-simple cranberry sauce. ...
- Best ever Yorkshire puddings. ...
- Pigs in blankets with a twist. ...
- Make-ahead gravy. ...
- Spiced red cabbage.
What veg can I prepare the night before Christmas? ›
Prep your veg the night before
Peel potatoes, carrots, parsnips and any other veg you're having and leave them in pans of cold water overnight. This will save you a lot of faff and additional mess on Christmas morning.
While most believe it to be a religious obligation, giving up meat on Christmas Eve is actually more a popular custom. The Catholic Church specifies the days on which meat is to be avoided (seafood doesn't count as meat), but it doesn't include the day before Christmas (unless it falls on a Friday).
What should you not put in a Christmas shoebox? ›- Used or damaged items.
- War-related items such as toy guns, knives, or military figures.
- Chocolate or food, including candy – due to customs regulations.
- Seeds.
- Liquids or lotions – these can spill and get all over the other items.
- Medications or vitamins.
Candy; toothpaste; gum; used or damaged items; scary or war-related items such as toy guns, knives, or military figures; chocolate or food; seeds; fruit rolls or other fruit snacks; drink mixes (powdered or liquid); liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snow globes or glass containers; ...
How much should you spend on Operation Christmas Child? ›What is the $10 suggested donation per box? The $10 per shoebox is a suggested donation. This amount is critical to cover project costs involved in collecting, processing, and shipping your shoebox gifts to over 100 countries.
What do you put in a Secret Santa box? ›- Engraved Pencil Set.
- Toaster Grilled Cheese Bags.
- Printed Socks.
- Sushi Pushpins.
- Waterproof Notepad.
- Tech Cloth.
- Reusable To Go Box.
- Portable Hot Sauce.
- Eggs. Why so popular? ...
- Roast chicken. Why so popular? ...
- Roast sweet potatoes. Why so popular? ...
- Roast lamb. Why so popular? ...
- Chutney. Why so popular? ...
- Cheese sauce. Why so popular? ...
- Berries. Why so popular? “ ...
- Nut roast. Why so popular?
- Make & mature Christmas cake. ...
- Easy mince pies. ...
- Golden roast potatoes. ...
- Super-simple cranberry sauce. ...
- Best ever Yorkshire puddings. ...
- Pigs in blankets with a twist. ...
- Make-ahead gravy. ...
- Spiced red cabbage.
- Maple-Bourbon-Brined Turkey.
- Tarragon Crusted Roast Beef.
- Classic Bread Stuffing.
- Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Pecans.
- Pillsbury™ Tourtière.
- Roasted Rosemary-Onion Potatoes.
- Crispy-Coated Lemon-Pepper Salmon.
- Perfect Apple Pie.
Arranging Your Gift Basket Items
We recommend starting by placing the larger and heavier gift items in the back. Place shorter and smaller items in front, arranging them in a way that all gifts are visible. Use tissue paper or shred to help boost height for items that may not be quite as visible.
What is a traditional Christmas Eve meal? ›
Serving ham as a Christmas Eve dinner rather than a Christmas dinner can either act a preview for what's to come, or pave the way for chicken, turkey or roast the next day. The distinctly winter flavors of apple, maple, cinnamon and ginger will have the house smelling like the holidays just before they start.
What do you traditionally eat on Christmas Eve? ›One of the more popular Christmas Eve dishes is fish, particularly fish pie. "This is a Catholic tradition related to the Feast of the Seven Fishes. Some Catholics still include seven different fishes in the meal – not difficult if you're making a pie," says Brown.
What is considered a dirty Santa gift? ›ICYDK, Dirty Santa is a light-hearted gift swap with a competitive streak. It's similar to a game of White Elephant in that each person brings a funny, kitschy, or just plain weird gift within a given theme or budget—the more unique and LOL-worthy, the better.
What should you not do in Secret Santa? ›- Do: Participate. ...
- Don't: Force participation. ...
- Do: Set a price limit. ...
- Don't: Go above and beyond. ...
- Do: Attempt to find out about your recipient. ...
- Don't: Get gifts that are personal. ...
- Do: Stick to generic gifts. ...
- Do: Thank your gift-giver.