Christmas Eve Boxes

I grew up in Sweden. Christmas Eve was a big celebration. In the morning we decorated the tree and in the evening we had our special dinner. A big ham was the centerpiece but many other dishes were included; it was more like a smörgåsbord. After the meal we (the children) had to sit down and be patient because if we were lucky Father Christmas (Jultomten) would knock on our door. We heard the knock and a deep voice that said ”Good Evening, have I come to a house where good children live?” When he had been reassured that this was in fact the case he would enter the living room, open his sack, find a present and read the recipient's name. We then had to walk up to him, receive our presents, shake his hand and say a big thank you. Father Christmas was usually a male relative. We never questioned his identity! I do remember that my sister and I were a bit annoyed with our dad because every year he decided that he had to go out and buy a paper just before Father Christmas arrived...

Christmas Day was very relaxed. My mother loved it because there was plenty of leftovers so she could put her feet up. We would play with our toys and often put our skates on or go skiing with our friends. Happy, carefree days.

We’ve been doing Christmas Eve box for several years - saw them at a Christmas Fair, made of wood with child’s name on. Very exciting for child to open around 5pm Christmas Eve by fire - containing pyjamas, toy or game (dominoes last year) book and a few chocolate coins. Think we love it as much as grandchild and it’s become our Christmas tradition.

I love that elf!
Elf on the shelf (or elf on the @#£&ing shelf as it’s often known) is one ‘tradition’ my dd is definitely not going to start.

My daughter often asks me to get PJs , a onesie or dressing gown for her children. They certainly don’t get them on Christmas Eve. I am glad she has not succumbed to this new tradition.

In my opinion Christmas Eve boxes are a load of old eyewash, for people who have more money than common sense. I will never be buying into that, it’s just a complete waste of money?

Love Grannylanes idea of a walk around the village after dark looking at the Christmas trees. And whoever said reading 'The Night before Christmas'. Will be different this year. Zoom to the rescue for our family Christmas Quiz and catch up.

Sorry, GrannyLaine

How sad it is.
It is obvious that many children in this Country are getting things that they want but do not need whilst so many also in this Country need more than they want.
Rather than spoil grandchildren with gifts that they don't need,why not give them to the people who organise Food Banks?
When my grandson was about three or four years old he was so bewildered by all his presents he suddenly said"I told Father Christmas I wanted a train set and he gave me one.Why have I got all this as well ?"
Indeed ,why?
Answer because mummy and daddy are buying presents for their friends 'children and they are being reciprocated.
Let's get back to the Christmas stocking with the Apple and tangerine the odd book ,post office set and jigsaw puzzle.
Fat chance .
Oh and why I am on my high horse.....
Why on earth would any child want to be given a pair of pyjamas for Christmas.?
I am pleased to say that it never happened to me or to my two sons.

There ll probably be a night before Christmas Eve present by next year

All of my lot. (All 3 of them, now just the two) love new Pjs for christmas.
I've always bought things that are needed alongside other presents.
Not for christmas eve, though.

We're a multicultural society now. We can't necessarily expect our traditions to be followed. There are other customs and different 'festive' food.

One DIL is Lithuanian and they have the main celebration and presents on Christmas Eve, as I believe many countries do. Christmas day, for them, is like our Boxing day.

I like the ‘ four presents’ idea. Something you want, something you need. Something to wear, and something to read.
Don’t see it catching on, though.

I think it's lovely to embrace practices from other cultures.
The point is that for some, christmas eve is the big day. Not both.

I was often given, and have myself given, useful presents eg dressing gowns, socks, pencil case, usually with something less mundane too. It all helps with the finances too, as well as avoiding a plethora of toys or tat.
The first year with my stepchildren I did so and was met with derision. Each family is different.

I didn’t know about this recent (American? Aldi Lidl?) Christmas eve thing. Most European countries do celebrate on 24th, Christmas Eve, and as someone said the 25 th is like our Boxing Day. Most children get far too much on Christmas Day anyway. Bah humbug I know, but it’s true. My dgc are snowed under as the in-laws are a huge family who all give gifts. Meaning our gc parents have to do likewise. The opening of gifts always runs into Boxing Day. It’s just too much and the presents are barely looked at before they are looking to open the next.
It comes to mind that youngsters now want parties and big gifts on both their 18 th and 21 st birthdays. One or the other. Please. Rant over.

I have made one for my grandchildren this year, and it has been fun decorating it and choosing the gifts.

What with this thread, and the one about pooh-pooh-ing (sorry,couldn't resist the pun!) the plastic flamingo I'm not surprised we are all looking at a miserable christmas. What's wrong with a bit of fun,or a little bit of indulgence at christmas..poor kids, its not exactly been a great year has it? Ive got two boxes,one for a younger GD and one (to sh& are) for GD&GS , mostly for gs as he's younger- just with a few colouring pads & pens in etc. And im adding a pr of new pyjamas in for them and maybe some bath bubbles, a xmas snap game or similar. Just a few little things to get in the mood for xmas coming.All good fun, and no different to us treating ourselves on xmas eve to new pj's & a good film or book, & a glass of something ,or an indulgent hot chocolate, is it??

Am afraid I think the whole Xmas festivities have been spoiled by commercialism. We had pretty dumbed down celebrations compared to today, but the importance was more to do with being with family and friends. Presents were few and not expensive, but mainly because we didn’t have the money to spend. But they were more meaningful. I remember one year I only got a large paint set and I treasured it. Seeing how much my grandchildren get today is astounding and now there are this Xmas Eve boxes. Maybe having to make do with a different Xmas this year might let us all take stock of what is really important to us and release us from the grips of commercialism!

I despair! Christmas Eve boxes are just another added pressure. When my children were growing up these items would be in their Christmas sack so they would have had very little to open on Christmas Day if they had received Christmas Eve boxes. Christmas Eve was when we went to church and believe it not the only day that I could get the children to sleep at a decent time. I feel so sorry for families these days that don't have a lot to give their children but hopefully they won't be lacking in love.

Like many of you, I was very much against the massive rise in consumerism especially the sudden popularity of a Christmas Eve box. I have now realised that I have been constantly bleating about the past and how we didn’t spend as much etc. But if a Christmas Eve Box is now becoming a tradition with children, then let them have fun and enjoy them. There will always be parents who will over indulge with ‘stuff’ and then there are those who keep the boxes simple but something the children will thoroughly enjoy and always remember.

Total commercialism, another idea that has come from America ( as well as the elf on the shelf)
My daughter is not even starting this. Christmas is expensive enough as it is without having this unneccesary expence .

I think this tradition of Christmas Eve boxes will be done and bought by parents and grandparents with plenty of money. Think of all those families who will be on their own and with no spare money for Christmas Day presents let alone Christmas Eve presents.

Cant see the point in Christmas Eve boxes it seems to defeat the purpose,and how does Father Christmas come if the presents are already given, surely children dont need presents two days on the run.
I heard the other day a teenager had been to a Boy friend break up party what is the world coming to?

Although I posted earlier, I so agree with you Nannan2 - was starting to think I should dump Christmas Eve Box and give grandchild a bag of monkey nuts and a tangerine in a sock on Christmas morning. Love traditions and memories which hopefully will carry on down the generations - even new ones ! ?

@Joesoap, often the items are things that come out every year, like Christmas books or DVDs - kept for Christmas Eve to keep them special - or e.g. the wherewithal for hot chocolate. Not presents as such.