Add more magic to your Christmas with these Christmas Eve box ideas for adults.
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Many years ago now, I saw an article about the Christmas tradition of Jolabokaflod. This is the Icelandic tradition of giving books on Christmas Eve and then curling up and reading them late into the night.
This idea of taking some time out on Christmas Eve – after the hustle and bustle of Christmas gift buying, food prep and travel – sounded amazing.
That year, my husband and I did our first “Christmas book flood” – pretty convenient for me that Lee Child releases one book a year around Christmas time, right?
But that tradition of exchanging a book on Christmas Eve was just the beginning.
Because then I learned about the Christmas Eve box.
Contents
What is a Christmas Eve box?
A Christmas Eve box is a beautiful box filled with small meaningful gifts to be opened the night before Christmas.
Some say they were designed to get kids to sleep on Christmas Eve, as a way of calming some of that frenzied anticipaton of Santa’s visit.
Others say it comes from the German tradition of opening presents on Christmas Eve.
I say it doesn’t really matter.
What we do know is that over recent years they have become super popular with all members of the family.
And while some of the scrooges out there might think a Christmas Eve box is yet another way to insert some commercialism into the season, I believe the act of giving, receiving, and enjoying one is an intimate family (or in this instance – couple) orientated activity I can highly recommend.
This is especially the case if you put things in your box designed to create a feeling of warmth and connection.
I am all about Christmas traditions for couples so this one is a must-do.
Have I sold you on the idea of a Christmas Eve box yet?
Great – then let’s start.
Before we start thinking about what to put in the box, let’s consider the box itself.
Personalized Christmas Eve boxes
Kick start this tradition by choosing a box you can reuse every year.
If you’re the DIY type, you can easily create something unique (check out this site for some great ideas for how to make a Christmas Eve box).
However if that’s not your thing and you’re wondering where to get a Christmas Eve box (especially one you can personalize) then Etsy is your go to.
Here’s some examples for you:
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Buy NowThis Christmas Eve box is made from natural and sustainable sources of wood. It is laser engraved and will not fade over time like printed versions.
The box is completely customizable: they offer any design, font, or text and can add small images.
The box also comes in three different sizes.
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Buy NowEnjoy the night before Christmas with a custom wooden box that will light up the face of anyone who receives it. It is made with durable wood so you can reuse it year after year.
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Buy NowThis beautiful personalized Christmas Eve box is supplied ready to fill with lots of festive treats and goodies to delight your loved one.
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Consider adding one of these specially selected Christmas love quotes on the outside of your Christmas Eve box.
What to put in a Christmas Eve box for adults
If you’re wondering what to put in a Christmas Eve box, then keeping it simple is often the best option. After all, this is a warm and cozy Christmas Eve tradition – not the main event.
I would stick with the old something you want, something you need, something to wear and something to read.
However there are many other alternatives should that not appeal.
Traditional Christmas Eve box ideas
These traditional Christmas box gift ideas will give you all the feels. Consider:
- A book
- A Christmas ornament
- A hot chocolate mix
- Christmas pajamas
- Christmas socks or slippers
- Christmas movie (check out these romantic Christmas movies for ideas).
Themed Christmas Eve box ideas for adults
If you want to move away from the traditional idea, then think about how you can theme your box in such a way that it has coherence. For example:
Hot chocolate Christmas Eve box
A hot chocolate box is much more than the drink. You might include:
- Candy cane spoons
- Marshmallows
- Chocolate bombs
- Hot chocolate mix
Alternatively, check out these recipes for hot chocolate and see what ingredients can be added.
Peppermint Christmas Eve box
Now strangely enough, I have developed an allergic reaction to peppermint tea which has made me wary of all products containing peppermint.
However let not my experience with developing hives all over my body put you off making a peppermint-themed gift.
You could include:
- Peppermint bark
- Peppermint candy cane spoons
- Candy canes
- Hershey’s candy cane kisses
- Peppermint tea (if you dare)
- Peppermint oil (perfect for creating some Christmas scent)
Pamper me Christmas Eve box
Fill this box with items your loved one can use to pamper themselves. For example:
- Eye mask
- Facial mask
- Favorite perfume or cologne
- Hair treatment
- Herbal tea
- Scented candle
- Slippers
Pre-packed Christmas Eve boxes
If you’re really stretched for time, you could buy a pre-packed Christmas Eve box. However, I have to say that most of them are filled with complete crap.
Instead, my suggestion is to search Christmas gift basket on Amazon, purchase one that appeals, and then pop the contents in your Christmas box.
I wouldn’t say no to this Bean Box sampler this dried fruit, nuts and chocolate gift tray.
Treat box
These days I try to not eat too much processed food (and let’s not kid ourselves, Christmas Day is all about indulgence).
However these treats have been minimally processed and contain natural goodness, making them a perfect addition to your Christmas Eve box.
- Chocolate bark
- Dried figs
- Dried mangoes
- Dried Turkish apricots
- Herbal teas
- Nuts
Couple’s Christmas Eve box
Maybe you want to get a box that works for both of you.
For your Couple’s Christmas Eve box, you want items that are good for connection.
Games are good for this. Fun two player games are:
Based-on the original party game hit, Codenames Duet is a standalone co-op clue giving adventure that sends you and your partner on a top secret mission to a crowded city. Your objective? Contact 15 agents while avoiding a band of enemy assassins.
This crazy, fun strategic food fight is a smash with kids and adults alike.
It's easy to learn and quick to play: gameplay runs for 10-15 minutes.
Play with just your partner or with other couples in two different gameplays in this fun and engaging game! Spark meaningful conversations and learn new things about your partner or team up together to compete against other couples to see who really knows each other best.
The best part about putting games in your Christmas Eve box is that Christmas Eve is the perfect time to play them.
Personalized Christmas Eve box ideas for adults
If you’ve read through this list and feel as though it’s still a little too generic for what you’re after, then check out Advent calendar fillers for adults.
Many of the ideas here would work for a Christmas Eve box as well and they are targeted to special interests.
Final thoughts on the Christmas Eve box tradition
Christmas Eve boxes are a super fun tradition that add a special flavor to Christmas Eve. If you intend on embracing this tradition, my advice is to invest in a special, personalized box, and then pick a theme to your gifts that you stick with over time.
Traditions are built on shared meaning and being consistent in your box’s contents – whether you’ve opted for traditional gifts or more personal ones – is part of building that tradition.