There's something magical about Christmas Eve with all the quiet excitement, the twinkling lights, and the feeling that something special is just around the corner. One of our favourite traditions is putting together a Christmas Eve Basket and make memories before the big day.
This year, we really wanted our Christmas Eve basket to feel cosy, festive and super easy to recreate. Nothing over the top, just little touches that feel special for the whole family.
But, what is a Christmas Eve Basket?
A Christmas Eve basket (sometimes called a Christmas Eve box) is a festive basket filled with small festive goodies that are gifted on the 24th of December. It's a cosy tradition that builds excitement for Christmas morning and creates a really special family memory.
You can use a either a basket or box depending on your style and budget. Many people choose a traditional wicker basket for a classical and festive look that can be reused year after year. However, a wooden crate gives that rustic or farmhouse feel which can also be personalised with their names. For more of a modern and neutral aesthetic, a soft fabric rope basket is a great option, particularly for home with young tradition due to the versatility and safety aspect. A few years ago we picked up a gorgeous neutral wicker basket that has seen many years that fit out our cosy Christmas aesthetic.
So, on Christmas Eve we all gather in the living room, light a Christmas candle to watch my girl remove some festive tissue paper to reveal all the lovely thing we have curated for her basket. Here is what we are including this year, with the ideas that you can easily tailor to your own family.
A New Pair of Pyjamas - Most baskets include Christmas Pyjamas so everyone can change into something festive before bedtime. Soft, comfy pyjamas are always the star of the basket. Our pick this year are these adorable fleecy pink and red candy cane lane bow fleece pyjamas - and what makes these even better is that they come in adult size. So me and my girl can match! To accompany these to make you feel extra cosy, you can include some cosy socks
A Christmas Book - One new book each year makes this tradition feel extra special. We read it together before bed, then add it to our festive book collection for years to come. Christmas at Hogwarts by J.K. Rowling is the pick for our Harry Potter obsessed girl. Christmas at Hogwarts always feels like stepping into a world where the season is celebrated with pure joy where even the coldest winter night feels welcoming.
Cosy Socks or Slippers - There's nothing better than warm feet on a winter night. This is such a small addition, but it instantly add the cosy factor, When doing a little shopping in Norwich we saw the most adorable cream and red gingerbread socks that were less and £5 - they are so soft and have a red frill on the top of the socks.
A Sweet Treat - Is it even Christmas if you don't include some kind of sweet treat in the Christmas Eve basket. We usually include a shared treat rather like chocolate bombs, festive cookies, or a small box of sweets to enjoy together. Home bargain always stock up the most lovely edibles treats. The Candy Realms Merry Mix Candy Cup filled with festive assortment of sweets that have been designed for the Christmas season. Every cup includes a mix of strawberry flavoured sugar coated gummies, white chocolate star shaped jazzies and vanilla marshmallow. It is ideal to include in a Christmas Eve basket, stocking filler or an Elf treat. Peelerz are all the rage in my daughters year at the moment so when we saw a pack of Christmas edition we knew we had to add them into her basket. The limited edition pack included lemon, strawberry and blue raspberry peelable gummies that come in festive shapes.
A Gingerbread House Kit - We love saving this for Christmas Eve so it becomes a tradition by itself. No perfection required just icing covered fingers, laughter, and memories. This Decorate Your Own Gingerbread House Kit has everything you will need to make the cutest little house. Each box includes pre-baked gingerbread panels, icing as well as colourful balls and sprinkles. No baking required so it makes the perfecting quick family activity.
Santa Claus Mug and Hot Chocolate Cone - This year we picked up a North Pole Candy Co, White Chocolate and Mallow Cone for a alternative to the cocoa one. It is festive themed that consists of white chocolate powder and small white marshmallows. All to go inside this vintage Santa Claus mug that features a candy cane striped handle and lots of festive details. We picked this mug up at a local BnM a few years ago and has become a fast favourite to add into the Christmas Eve basket.
Christmas Themed Facemask - This year, as my daughter is getting older, we have added a few self care treats in her basket too. This Santa Sheet Facemask is the perfect self care treat that is infused with real extracts to give you hydrated skin in no time at all. But what makes this even better is that is has a cute Santa face printed on the sheet too for an extra festive treat.
Simple Christmas Crafts - Think an activity pack, sticker books or an ornament craft something calm that lets little hands stay busy while we wind down. The Range craft and stationary sections are always a win for me and we picked up this Crystal Canvas Gingerbread House Kit that will allow everyone to unleash their creative side. This kit comes with all the things you need, and it is so simple and easy to do. It features a detailed gingerbread house design that you can embellish with the colourful gems to give it a beautiful, sparkly look.
Christmas Eve Plate - Don't forgetting adding in a simple Christmas Eve plate which has been designed for children to leave snacks out for Santa Claus and all his reindeer on Christmas Eve. We bought this particular plate way back in 2014 and it has seen so many different treats to go along with the glass of milk. The designed has feature of sections where to place a carrot to Rudolph, a mince pie or cookie for Santa, and a drink to wash it all down. It is a lovely tradition to begin in your family.
Reindeer Food - Lastly, a small bag of oats mixed with festive sprinkles, ready to scatter outside before bed. It's such a sweet way to build excitement and imagination. We picked up a bag of Magic Reindeer Food that is eco friendly with premium bird seed and oats and has NO glitter as it is not safe for wildlife. On the pack there is an adorable poem that reads 'Sprinkle on your lawn at night, the moonlight will make it sparkle bright, as Santa's reindeer fly & roam, this will help guide them home'.
Do you have a Christmas Eve box for your family? If not, have you thought about starting a new tradition?
Don't forget to check our previous Christmas Eve baskets...
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