Doodlebark
A Christmas Eve box is a small box of cozy things your kids open on Christmas Eve. It helps the longest night of the year feel calm and special, and it gives little ones something to look forward to before bed.
It doesn’t need to be big or cost much. Here’s what works best for toddlers and preschoolers.
What to put in a Christmas Eve box
- New pajamas. The classic. Bonus points if they’re matching.
- A Christmas book to read together at bedtime.
- A cozy snack, like hot cocoa mix or a cookie for Santa.
- Magic reindeer food to sprinkle outside (recipe below).
- A small activity, like a coloring page or a few stickers, for the wiggly hour before bed.
- A note from Santa saying he’s on his way.
Easy magic reindeer food
This is the part toddlers love most. Before bed, they sprinkle it on the lawn so the moonlight helps Santa’s reindeer find your house.
You need:
- 1 cup of oats
- A spoonful of colored sugar or sprinkles
- Small bags or jars
To make it: Mix the oats and sugar in a bowl. Let your child scoop it into bags. Add a label, and make an extra bag for a friend or neighbor.
Skip the glitter. It doesn’t break down, and it isn’t good for the birds and squirrels who visit after the reindeer.
A reply letter from Santa
Here’s a little magic for the morning. When your kids leave cookies for Santa, leave a short letter from Santa next to the empty plate. Mention one kind thing your child did this year. It means the world to them, and it gently reminds them that being kind is what Christmas is all about.
Keep Christmas Eve calm
- Open the box right after dinner, not right before bed.
- Do the reindeer food while it’s still a little light out.
- End with the new book and a short, quiet bedtime.
- Want one more fun moment? Let your little one call Santa for free before bed.
Printables for your Christmas Eve box
We made it easy. Penny’s Christmas Bundle includes our Christmas Eve Extras: a fill-in reply letter from Santa, 8 magic reindeer food labels with the recipe, and Christmas Eve box tags. It also comes with Penny’s Merry Little Christmas, a cozy storybook made for reading on Christmas Eve.
Questions parents ask
When do you open a Christmas Eve box?
Most families open it after dinner on Christmas Eve, so the pajamas and book are ready for bedtime.
Is a Christmas Eve box good for toddlers?
Yes. Toddlers love opening things, and the box gives them a calm, predictable routine on an exciting night.
How much should you spend?
Not much. Pajamas, a book and a homemade treat are plenty. Printables fill in the rest.
