What We Put in Our Christmas Eve Box This Year

Christmas Eve can feel a little chaotic—everyone excited, you trying to wrangle bedtime, a million little things happening at once. A Christmas Eve box keeps us from scrambling at the last minute for “one more fun thing” and gives the night a simple routine.

We keep it practical on purpose. It’s not another pile of toys; it’s a small box of things that make the evening smoother and more fun.

One Cozy Item for Each Kid

We usually include pajamas or socks, but it doesn’t have to be new every year. Sometimes it’s a simple long-sleeve shirt, slippers, or a hoodie they can wear all winter.

The goal is to have everyone comfy and dressed for pictures and relaxing—without arguments over what they’re wearing.

One Shared Activity

We always add something we can all do together: a puzzle, a simple board game, a Christmas coloring book, or a craft kit. It needs to be easy enough to start and finish with tired kids.

That way, we’re not scrambling at 7 p.m. thinking, “Now what?” The activity is already chosen and sitting in the box.

A Treat That Feels a Little Special

We usually throw in hot cocoa packets, a small bag of popcorn, or a simple candy everyone likes. Nothing huge or complicated.

Having a planned snack keeps us from digging through the pantry and accidentally turning the night into a sugar free-for-all.

Something That Sets the Tone Spiritually or Emotionally

For us, that might be a small kids’ nativity book, a short devotional, or a simple printed reading we can do together before bed. For another family, it might be a gratitude list or memory jar page.

It doesn’t need a lot of production. A few minutes of quiet helps ground everybody before the next morning.

One Small “Bonus” Item

Sometimes we add a little extra: a Christmas movie we haven’t watched yet, a small ornament for the tree, glow sticks for a walk outside, or new toothbrushes to use that night.

The box stays small on purpose. It’s enough to make Christmas Eve feel planned and cozy without turning it into a second gift day.