The Christmas Eve Box is a thing - who would have thought it?!

Is this a nice idea for a family gathering on Christmas Eve, or just another way for retailers to make more money at Christmas and commercialise yet another tradition even more?

Once upon a time Christmas Eve was about readying the children for bed, playing a few games, putting out the mince pies, carrot and other goodies for Santa and his reindeer, then, frantically, but ever so quietly, rummaging through all the hiding places to put presents under the tree.

Oh, and not forgetting stepping over creaky floor boards and avoiding tripping over toys en route to placing the over-filled stocking at the end your child’s bed.

For some lucky children, maybe when they are a little older, they may even get to open one present on Christmas Eve. But now it seems the Christmas Eve Box is here to give them a bunch of gifts before Santa has even had a chance to get stuck up the chimney.

The tradition of giving children a Christmas Eve Box first started in the US, although is probably not the first of its kind. In Iceland it is tradition to give members of the family a book, which they would spend the night reading.

Epping Forest Guardian:

Iceland tradition of giving a book on Christmas Eve

The boxes, although generally aimed at children, are also available for adults too. For the children, these are normally stuffed with small presents like games, books, pyjamas and chocolate – just what you want them to have just before bed!

Thousands of parents will be completely unaware of this new, ever popular tradition. What is it? Do I have to buy one? Can I make one? How much should I spend on one? As if Christmas isn’t stressful enough!

And imaddictedtomn on Mumsnet agreed saying: “My friend and I were out today and saw a place selling Christmas Eve boxes. 

“The woman selling them said they were very popular. 

“Is this a thing now? 

“My friend and I were of the same mind - Do DC's not get enough on Christmas Day that they have to have more stuff on Christmas Eve?

“Or are we missing something?”

The good thing is, there are no strict rules for the Christmas Eve box. They can be as simple or as extravagant as you want them to be. A simple cardboard box with a few little treats or, for someone extra special and engraved wooden chest with cheese, crackers and a nice bottle of Malbec (hint!).

Don’t want to make your own? Don't worry, there are hundreds online and here is a selection

Personalised Christmas Eve box on Ebay for £2.69 plus P&P

Epping Forest Guardian:

Winter Wonderland Red & White Christmas Eve Box from Ocado for £15.99 plus P&P 

Epping Forest Guardian:

Personalised Skandi Theme Wooden Christmas Eve Box on Etsy £21.99 plus P&P

Epping Forest Guardian:

Luxury Personalised Christmas Eve Family Box on Not on the High Street for £145.00 

Epping Forest Guardian:

So let us know what you think below:

Do you have your own Christmas Eve traditions? We would love to hear about them. Drop us an email at basildon.echonews@newsquest.co.uk