Ramp up the excitement before Santa’s arrival (Pictue: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Alongside a beverage for Santa and carrot for his reindeer, there’s a new family tradition on the block: Christmas Eve boxes.

A Christmas Eve box is most commonly given to children to help keep them busy on the night before the big day, featuring everything from activities to PJs.

The idea is to offer little ones a taster of the excitement to come – plus to help tire them out in preparation for Santa’s arrival – and it’s definitely caught on.

According to Hobbycraft, searches for Christmas Eve boxes have gone up 69% in the last year, and retailers from Asda to Etsy now sell their own versions.

The beauty of these boxes is that you can tailor them to your budget, needs, and tastes, going as big or small as you’d prefer and turning it into a tradition that’s unique to your family.

But if you’re stuck on where to start, we’ve got you covered.

A Christmas Eve box is the perfect wind-down ahead of the big day (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The box itself

There are a number of purpose-made Christmas Eve boxes you can buy from all sorts of retailers.

Most supermarkets, along with card and gift shops like Card Factory and The Works, have cardboard boxes with kid-friendly designs ready to be filled with goodies.

For a longer lasting option, however, choose wood or metal. Not only can it be a treasured keepsake for years to come, it makes a great storage box for your decorations after the big day.

For something more bespoke, personalised Christmas Eve boxes can be purchased from Not On The High Street, Ginger Ray, and Etsy sellers – which is also ideal if you’re trying to ‘shop small’ this festive season.

Alternatively, you can also make the box part of the pre-Christmas fun. Get yourself a plain wooden box (also available from The Works, as well as via online retailers like Amazon) or repurpose an old hamper or gift box you have lying around.

Then, using whatever craft supplies, paint, wrapping paper, bows, ribbons, and sequins you have already, make a day of decorating the box with your little ones.

It doesn’t need to be perfect or polished – or even at all pleasing to look at. As long as you’re making special memories and creating your own family traditions, that’s what matters most.

What to put in a Christmas Eve box

Then comes the tough part: what to actually include in the box.

There are no hard and fast rules here, so think about the things your family already enjoys at this time of year. If, for example, you normally have a Christmas Eve hot chocolate, you might choose to include marshmallows and sprinkles so they can jazz theirs up.

Pyjamas are typically a good place to start, and you can go with personalised Christmas ones or a less festive pair that can be worn year-round. That cosy ‘new PJs’ feeling can also help get children ready for bed without fuss.

If that’s a concern of yours, something to tire your excited little elves out may also be a welcome addition.

Karen Miller, Baby and Toddler Sleep Consultant from Asleep at Last, told Crafted Beds: ‘Keep screen time and movies about Christmas earlier in the day so they’re not too stimulated right before bedtime.

‘A nice long bath or extra story time/quiet time can also help to produce more melatonin, which is the sleepy hormone that helps with sleep.’

A festive storybook is always a winner, then, along with a toy for their Christmas Eve bath or a lavender-scented bath bomb.

For little ones who prefer interactive activities, a sticker book or colouring book may also be helpful, or you could choose a DVD and make it part of your wind down to cosy up and watch a movie together.

While sugar isn’t typically advised before bed, it’s the time of year when you can reasonably get away with a few extra treats.

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A Christmas Eve box allows you ration out sweets without being mean, so portion out chocolates, gummies, and candy canes and let them have at it – but once they’re done, they’re done for the evening.

To put the magical cherry on top of your box, add in a letter from Santa (or Elf On The Shelf, if your family is into that) addressed to your child.

It can include instructions of how to get the house ready before bed, a hint at whether they’ve made the nice list, or just a Christmassy message that will see them buzzing with anticipation.

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Create a family tradition and help little ones get to sleep before Santa’s arrival.