Christmas Eve Box Ideas for Kids (UK Checklist)

A Christmas Eve box is a small box of treats children open on the evening of 24 December, to make the wait for Christmas morning a bit more magical. It doesn't have to cost much. Here's what to put in one, a simple wildlife-safe reindeer food recipe, and a plan for the evening.

What to put in a Christmas Eve box

• New pyjamas to wear on Christmas Eve (they look great in the morning photos).
• A Christmas film to watch together, or a voucher for “film night with Mum and Dad”.
• Hot chocolate with a few marshmallows in a small bag.
• A Christmas book to read at bedtime. Second-hand is perfect.
• A small snack for the film, like popcorn or a chocolate coin or two.
• Reindeer food to sprinkle outside (recipe below).
• Something for Santa: a note to leave out with a mince pie and a carrot.
• Cosy socks or a pair of slippers.
• A small craft or game, such as a colouring sheet or a pack of cards, for the afternoon.

Budget ideas

• Use a shoebox and wrap the lid separately so it opens easily.
• Reuse the same box every year and just refill it.
• Pound shops and supermarkets sell small hot chocolate sachets and selection packs from November.
• Brothers and sisters can share one box with a named item each.

Wildlife-safe reindeer food recipe

Glitter is harmful to birds and other animals, so leave it out. Instead, mix:

• 2 tablespoons of porridge oats
• 1 teaspoon of sugar or a few raisins (keep raisins away from dogs)
• A pinch of birdseed (optional)

Put it in a small paper bag, and let the children sprinkle it on the garden or doorstep just before bed so the reindeer can find the house.

A simple Christmas Eve plan

1. Late afternoon: open the Christmas Eve box.
2. Bath, then new pyjamas.
3. Film and hot chocolate.
4. Sprinkle the reindeer food outside.
5. Leave out a mince pie, a drink and a carrot for Santa and the reindeer.
6. Bedtime story, then lights out.