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What is a Christmas Eve box?

The tradition that's taking off around the world - and our top picks! - by Rebecca Lowrey Boyd
  • 28 Oct 2021

What does December 24 mean for your family? For some, it means a glass of bubbly while watching Carols by Candlelight; while for others, it’s cookies and milk for Santa and a carrot for Rudolph.

WATCH: How to make your own Aussie Christmas tree

One Christmas Eve tradition that has been gaining popularity over the years is the Christmas Eve box.

What is a Christmas Eve box?

Believed to have derived from the German tradition of opening presents on the night before Christmas, a Christmas Eve box is a gift that parents give children in anticipation of Christmas Day.

“I have done a Christmas Eve box for about 18 years now,” said one mum on the Kmart Mums Facebook group.

They can range from a cardboard box filled with pyjamas and a Christmas book to an elaborate custom-made wooden chest, overflowing with gifts and toys for the kids.

box
Getty

Opinions divided

But not everyone agrees with the Christmas Eve tradition.

“Nope, we don't do that,” said another member of the Kmart Mums group. “They get plenty the day after as it's Christmas.”

“The world’s gone crazy,” added another Australian mum.

UK consumer expert Prof Vince Mitchell said that the Christmas Eve was a festive tradition that had been "waiting to happen".

"There's no pretence this is an ancient tradition" although we do already share a Christmas Eve "lull" when children anxiously wait for the next day, he told the BBC.

In the UK, Christmas Eve boxes are fast becoming a "clever retail invention", he said.

"They heighten the anticipation of the following day, which is key to children's Christmas experience," he said.

"This isn't a fad," Prof Mitchell said. "The Christmas Eve box will develop in terms of what they contain and we'll see a variation in prices from £10 to £100."

Christmas Eve Box

Personalised filled Christmas Eve box by Virginia Hayward, £59, Not on the High Street

What does a Christmas Eve box contain?

A typical box contains everything a child needs to enjoy the night before Christmas and can include:

  • Christmas book
  • Christmas movie
  • Snack for the movie
  • A soft toy
  • Christmas-themed plate and cutlery
  • Reindeer food
  • New pyjamas
  • New toothbrush
  • Christmas colouring books
  • Family board game
    New tree decoration
  • Bath bombs
  • A Christmas-themed candle
  • A Christmas-themed mug
  • Hot chocolate
  • Treats for Santa
  • Slippers

After a Christmas Eve box to fill for your children? Here are our top picks.

1. The night before Christmas box, $39.95, One Fine Baby

Christmas Eve box

This box includes a vintage-inspired bell to ring at bed time when Santa is on his way. It also features a magical Santa key and tag to give Father Christmas an extra hand.

2. Personalised large Christmas Eve box, $119, Hard to Find

Personalised Christmas Eve box

If you're after a family heirloom, this bespoke Christmas Eve box can be personalised with your family name, Christmas symbol and a message. The customised lettering is engraved into the natural pine box, so it can be passed down through the generations.

3. Christmas Eve box, $41.45, Kogan

Christmas Eve Box

This hinged wooden box features a screen-printed message and is large enough to cram with loads of Christmas Eve goodies. 

4. Snow White mini Christmas Eve gift box, $6.12, Amazon

Cardboard Christmas Eve box

If you're after a super-affordable Christmas Eve box, this cardboard option is perfect. It features a fun design that looks like a special delivery in the post. 

5. Vintage style Santa & Friends Christmas Eve box, $22.25, Amazon

Timber Christmas Eve box

If you don’t want to overdo the gift-giving on Christmas Eve, this small box will do the trick. It features a traditional design and will fit some pyjamas, a DVD and some festive snacks.

You may also like:

Best Christmas baubles in Australia 2021

The 15 toys your kids will want for Christmas this year

How to make your own luxe Christmas hamper

  • DIY
  • Decorating
  • Craft
  • Better Life
  • Christmas Decorating, Tips & Traditions
Rebecca Lowrey Boyd
Rebecca is the Digital Managing Editor of Better Homes and Gardens.

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