Until 2015 I had spent every single Christmas Eve of my adult life at work.

I worked on a beauty counter and it was one of the busiest days of the year. I loved it. We would dress up a bit in sparkly tights and Santa hats.

It was non-stop busy, the classic Christmas rush, from the time the doors opened at 8.30am until around 2pm when everyone slipped off to be with their families and friends and enjoy Christmas. We would usually finish our shift with a glass of a Fizz and a toast to the start of our festive break.

I would be filled with happiness and excitement as I made my journey home, past the bustling bars and twinkly lights. Because for many of us, I think, the anticipation of that magical day ahead, is just as good as the day itself.

The last couple of years, since becoming a mum I’ve been able to spend Christmas at home with my family. I really did love working Christmas Eve, but I feel very lucky that I’ll have another one at home with my boys this year, making new traditions and precious new memories.

I’m sure you’re familiar with “Christmas Eve Boxes”. The idea of giving your children a gorgeous box filled with goodies on the 24th December to prepare them for the big day ahead. I really love this idea, so this will be the first year that I’m making these special boxes for the boys. EEAK! I can’t wait!

With only a week or so to go until the big day, I thought I’d share the list of all the things we’re going to put inside the boxes and why.

Of course, if you have any other ideas I would LOVE to hear them too in the comments, I’m yet to finish packing the boxes.

Christmas Eve Box

New PJ’s to wear on Christmas Eve
I’m a sucker for Christmas PJ’s. And while we wear them through the whole of December, putting on a new pair for the big day really does make you feel ready for Santa’s visit doesn’t it?
Ours can be found HERE

A Christmas Story to read at Bedtime
What a perfect way to end the day. Snuggled up and reading a festive story. We’ve been reading this “Christmas Tale” from Joules – written and illustrated by their in-house team. It’s a beautifully designed festive tale about The Crackle Family. I won’t spoil the surprise too much, but the lovely thing about this book is that 100% of the profits go to Charitably Joules. Joules raise money for a number of charities including; The Princes Trust, Hospice UK, Nuzzlets and Farms for City Children.
The beautiful book is available online for £4.95.

Hot Chocolate kit.
Ollie is almost as obsessed with Hot Chocolate as his Mama! I’m planning on making these mini kits myself by shaving some chocolate (to warm with milk on the stove) and some marshmallows and a candycane to serve. You could also get a cute festive straw to go with milk if your little one isn’t a fan of chocolate.

A Christmas Decoration to hang on the tree.
I’ve ordered some personalised ornaments with each of the boys names on and the year. Our tree is a mish-mash of decorations we’ve made or purchased while travelling. My dream is that one day, when we’re old, our tree will tell the story of our life together, and every little decoration will hold a memory.

Cosy Socks for a snuggly evening and morning
I love that feeling of stretchy, cosy new socks!

A New Teddy to Take to Bed
We wouldn’t want a special teddy to be lost with all the other toys on Christmas morning, so this little Guy can be welcomed a day early.

A Festive Bath Bomb
We’re going to make that “night before” Bath a special one with some extra fizz. This isn’t something we do often but the boys absolutely love a colourful sweet smelling bath for a treat!

Snack for santa
Ready to leave out for a busy and hungry Father Christmas on Christmas Eve. Santa is going to have a mince pie and a wee glass of milk when he comes to our house this year.

Reindeer food
A good size helping of our very own homemade reindeer food. It’s a magical mix of glitter and oats to….

”Sprinkle on your lawn at night.
In the moon, it will sparkle bright.
As Santa’s reindeer fly and roam
this wonderful treat will guide them to your home!”

A bag for their Gingerbread Hunt

I’m going to hide lots of chocolate coins around the house with clues and notes to lead the boys to their gingerbread house. They can collect the coins in their bag and we will all decorate the house on Christmas Eve.

Write a letter from Santa
Of course Santa replies to everyone who writes to him so he’ll be reminding our boys to keep they’re eyes tight shut and to sleep well!

And that’s it!

Have I forgotten anything?

Soooo excited to see their faces as they open their boxes!

Do you have any other ideas of what we can include in our boxes? I would love to know!

Whether you’re working, or partying or staying home and relaxing this Christmas Eve, I want to wish you a very very happy and memorable one filled with love and excitement. Enjoy every precious moment….it’s almost the big day!!

I’m proud to say that this post is sponsored by the always gorgeous British Brand Joules who kindly gifted us the book and the clothing in the pictures.

Photography by wonderful Lydia Harper..