Twas the night before Christmas when all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. Okay, maybe the little ones are stirring because they’re so excited, but that’s completely understandable. If cosying up on the sofa and sticking a classic film on whilst trying to settle the kids down before the big day sounds familiar, why not bring the magic of Christmas forward a few hours with an all important Christmas Eve Box. These boxes originated in Germany, where presents are opened on Christmas Eve and following their increasing global popularity, we can’t wait to start thinking of what to fill them with.
If you don’t quite know where to begin, keep reading for our favourite things to fill up our Christmas Eve box with.
Things to encourage bedtime
Whether they’re old enough to read to themselves or on the hunt for their new favourite bedtime story, you can never go wrong with a book. Inspire a little reader with stories from the Little People, Big Dreams collection which retell the lives of ordinary children who grew up to achieve extraordinary things. Ru Paul will encourage a little one to always be themselves while David Attenborough will teach a mini nature lover all about our wonderful planet. Every year, the TV channels run a showing of Raymond Briggs’ classic animated film ‘The Snowman’. Before it starts, read a little elf the book so they can experience the magic of this sweet winter’s tale before they settle down and watch it on the screen.
With the run up to Christmas you’ve probably seen every festive film going, but there’s always another must-watch Christmas film or an old classic. Cuddle up in front of the fire, Christmas tree lights flickering in the background and enjoy Christmas eve with a film from the Christmas Eve box.
Festive pyjamas
Encourage your little one to actually go to sleep on Christmas night with a new set of Christmas pyjamas. After all, Father Christma knows when they’re awake! Keep them cosy and warm in a classic check set, feel festive in a pair of reindeer pyjamas or give the most special gift with a perfect penguin set. One of these classic combos is sure to get them in the sleeping spirit. If they’re more interested in dressing up than winding down, pack a pair fit for a little performer or a mini explorer.
A gift for Father Christmas and his reindeer
Christmas eve isn’t complete until you’ve given Santa and his Reindeers their food. They deserve to have a place in your Christmas eve box as much as the rest. In fact, a Christmas eve platter makes everyone’s life easier. With special allocated space for a quick drink, a carrot for the reindeers and maybe a mince pie for Santa to keep him fuelled all night long, this is the perfect way for a little elf to stay on the nice list this year.
An early treat
They’ll love having something to play with for a while before they head off to bed ahead of the exciting upcoming day. A penguin snow globe can keep them entertained for a while as they shake the snowflakes to their heart’s content. Once they’re finished, a melodious music box can soothe them to sleep and ensure very merry dreams. Something snuggly just sounds irresistible doesn’t it? Little elves would love for their new christmas friend to watch over them as they snooze before the big day. A super soft blanket to snuggle up to on Christmas eve will be cherished for many years to come. Include something in their Christmas Eve box to take them away from the iPad screen, such as a puzzle. Teach them to recognise shapes with a safari animal or dinosaur puzzle, engage their minds with a sweet clock puzzle or counting puzzle and bring their dreams to life with a wonderful Winnie the Pooh puzzle.
A dreamy decoration
Finally, if there’s any room left in your little one’s Christmas eve box, pop a cute Christmas decoration inside to make Christmas extra special this year. Make baby’s first Christmas one to remember with a glass christmas tree bauble or go simple with a pink 1st christmas bauble. They can hang their new prized possession on the tree and you can add their name for a bespoke gift that will mark a little one’s 1st Christmas forever.
Like most things around this time of year, a Christmas Eve Box is another opportunity for some more festive fun. If you decide to put one together this year for your family, please tag us @My1stYears #My1stYears so we can see all the fun things you decide to fill yours with!
With love,
My1stYears x