I adore the idea of a Christmas Eve Box and it's something we couldn't wait to do for Joshua. Arran and I have a few traditions we've started during our relationship and Christmas Eve is always a chance for us to wear new pyjamas, eat lots of cheese and watch a Christmas film so we've taken that and created a child-friendly version for Joshua with a few added extras - we've even made a little one for Evie this year.
I know they're not for everyone, I think the beauty of Christmas is that we all have our very own traditions and this is just one of ours so I wanted to share what we've put inside ours this year as I always love seeing others suggestions.
We bought our Christmas Eve box in 2018 from Etsy but unfortunately can't link as she isn't selling them anymore which has meant I've had to find a different one for Evie - they're quite similar so I'm hoping Joshua doesn't mention it.
If you are looking to buy one I would really recommend Etsy, there are some beautiful boxes available or you could head to Hobbycraft and make your own. I just fill ours with some red shred to bulk out the bottom, I've kept the shred we used last few years inside the box and packed it away with it so we don't have to replace it year on year.
I've collected a few different things over the last couple of weeks to place inside and stuck with the theme of something to wear, read and eat. It makes shopping for presents so much easier. I've also repurposed some bits from last years like Joshua's reindeer socks and his enamel cup, Evie has her own cup too which is a bit early but I wanted them to have matching so bought it this year.
There's also the sweetest little Christmas tree socks for Evie, they're rattle when you shake them and both of them have matching pyjamas too.
It wouldn't be a Christmas Eve box without something a little sweet so we've popped a little chocolate treat in there for him. Moo Free are my go-to for dairy-free snacks and they're so much cheaper if you shop with them directly.
We're a reading family so there was always going to be a book included and I've chosen two each for them both this year. Pick a Pine Tree by Patricia Toht is a beautifully illustrated book with a rhythmical, read-aloud narrative telling the joy of picking a Christmas tree - from digging out jam-packed boxes of trimmings, stringing tinsel, to, at last, turning on those twinkly fairy lights.
The Snow Dragon is one I've had on the children's book list for ages as it's an enchanting story about hope and adventure. The illustrations are just gorgeous and I can't wait to curl up and read this with them both.
As many of you will know, Joshua is fascinated by trains so The Night Train was the easiest purchase for Christmas - he'll adore it. While it is a little old for him, we can read it with him as it tells the story of helping each other. I've had a flick through and it's so uplifting.
The next few items were my favourite last year and my favourite again this year. I am so glad I came across Designed by Blue on Etsy. I ordered a Nice List Certificate which I had personalised with Joshua's name, it's printed on satin aged paper and stamped with a North Pole wax seal. It's something I'll keep forever. I think I'll appreciate them more than Joshua at the moment but I don't think a Christmas Eve box is complete without a letter from Father Christmas.
We also included the Magic Key I ordered in 2018 which I had personalised with our family name so we can continue to use it for years to come and with more children if we have them. The bronze key comes on a dark red cord and on the back of the card it reads:
"These are the things you need to do, first whisper "I believe in you". Then hang this key outside your door, he will know just what it's for. Now it's time to close your eyes tight, Father Christmas is coming tonight. Christmas day you will wake to find, all the presents he left behind."
There's also a little tube of personalised reindeer food too - I thought it was a cute little addition!
The very last item was a new addition last year for Joshua from Vellamaes and so I ordered one for Evie this year. It comes in a personalised box and inside you'll find a cushioned bell on a red ribbon. It's very Polar Express - I just adore it so much - it's such a special piece to include this year.
And that is everything inside this year's boxes. Creating the Christmas Eve Boxes is one of my favourite things to do this time of year and we can't wait to give it to them on Christmas Eve.
I hope it has given you some ideas on what to put inside yours too.
