A BOX OF DELIGHTS
Inspired by a German tradition the wonderful new trend of giving your friends and family a pressie on Christmas Eve makes the festive period even more special
CHRISTMAS is all about family tradition.
From parents pulling their hair out trying to find new places to hide Elf on a Shelf, wearing matching jammies or going to the panto - making memories together can be treasured. The latest trend is the Christmas Eve box - an idea taken from the German tradition of opening presents before the big day. Of course nowadays kids can be spoilt with presents so why give them more? The idea is giving them something to curb their excitement about the big day and maybe give parents a few more hours sleep. It can act as a great way to get the kids to bed – if they’re well behaved all day and promise to go to sleep on time, they get to open it in the evening. But you can unbox it at any time of the day – it often depends on what you have planned and who’s around. At first, it was something the odd person with small children did, but now it’s growing into a new festive tradition - and it’s really rather wonderful.
What is a Christmas Eve box?
Essentially, it’s a box of goodies –an extra gift, if you will, which is given on Christmas Eve. Each person in the family might have their own box, or you can create a family box, which is often cheaper, and gathers you all together. What started as a small trend has now become a festive mainstay for many people in the UK, said Holly Harper, head of inspiration and new partners at notonthehighstreet. “We’ve seen an increase in popularity of personalised boxes over the years, and in the last week alone, searches for ‘Christmas Eve Box’ have
risen by over 50 per cent.”
How do you make one?
What your Christmas Eve box looks like is entirely up to you. Pop down the high street or look online and you’ll find plenty of ready-made options to choose from. Or you can make your own. If you’re handy, you can knock some up from old pallets, you can get the kids involved and transform a cardboard box, or you can make use of an old hamper or box you’ve held on to – because it looked too good to throw away.
Personalisation does make them a little more special, so you can do that by decorating them. You could get crafty on cardboard, while Cricut fans can go to town with vinyl lettering and designs, or good old marker pens will do the job on wood. And if it’s a hamper, you could create a label, write a Christmas message on it, and tie it to the handle.
What should go inside?
Again, what you decide to put inside the box or boxes, is entirely up to you. What would you like to be gifted the night before Christmas?
It could be festive jammies, cosy socks, a new game or a DVD. Some snacks, Christmas treats or for adults a wee tipple that you could share with Santa.
Christmas Eve boxes aren’t just for families. Make one for yourself for the perfect quiet night in - gift yourself some cosy sleepwear and a new book, or couples can create a date night gift box containing everything they need for the evening, whether that’s cocoa and biscuits, Champagne and ingredients for a three-course meal, or underwear and bubble bath.
As new traditions go, this is one we think is here to stay.
It can act as a great way to get the children to go to their bed