"When I heard about the Christmas Eve boxes trend, I knew it was going to be a hard pass for me. I already feel personally victimized by stores that put out Christmas merchandise in August and the fact that Thanksgiving is ignored.
While I do consider myself more of a Buddy the Elf than an Ebenezer Scrooge when it comes to Christmas, there needs to be limits. This includes radio stations that play holiday music too early, excessive gift-giving, and merchandise in stores.
Since I’m a naturally curious person, the Christmas Eve box trend piqued my interest. I did a bit of digging around to see exactly what the deal is with Christmas Eve boxes and if they’re worth it.
What Is a Christmas Eve Box?
Basically, people curate Christmas Eve boxes filled with small gifts that might not make it under the Christmas tree or in the stocking. Usually, people fill these boxes with holiday pajamas, books, ornaments, or treats. Some families use them as a parting present from their Elf on the Shelf. And, of course, they make for some cute and curated social media content.
Those in the pro Christmas Eve box camp say that the itmes in the boxes are things they would buy anyway. But I’m literally not buying it. Here’s why:
Why I’m Not Doing a Christmas Eve Box for My Kids
My holiday to-do list is full
Let’s be honest—moms typically shoulder more of the mental load of holiday gift-giving. And while I am (mostly) fine with doing so, I do not need or want another thing added to my to-do list.
I’m already keeping track of who gets what, as well as what I need to purchase and wrap. So as far as having more to do goes, no thanks. I’d rather be present with my family instead of spending more time thinking about presents.
Research shows kids do better with less toys
Let’s face it—more gifts and toys for my kids means more to clean and more to manage in our household. And even if they are helping out with those tasks, research shows children do better with fewer toys.
A less crowded playroom leads most kids to play longer and more creatively with what they have, as well as increases focus. Our minds already pull our attention in a million directions. So, I’m happy to do what I can to help my kiddos develop focus and a longer attention span.
The Christmas Eve box origin story is off-base
When I started reading about Christmas Eve boxes, some sources mention they stem from a German tradition. This Christmas eve tradition involves exchanging gifts on the night before Christmas. It seems to inspire the trend of Christmas Eve boxes. However, this isn’t the whole story.
My husband is from Germany and they do give gifts on Christmas Eve—but that’s it! There isn’t another day of celebrations and gift-giving. So for me, this origin story is not quite right and doesn’t justify the idea to me. For what it’s worth, my kids do open gifts from their Opa and Oma living in Germany on Christmas Eve.
Materialism surrounding holidays is already too much (for me)
It’s hard to balance the materialism of Christmas gifts with what the holidays mean to our family. So adding to the pile of “stuff” to give and to get with a Christmas Eve box has about as much appeal to me as a mug of cold hot chocolate.
Additionally, I’m the type of person who hates giving gifts for the sake of giving a gift. So figuring out additional gifts for a Christmas Eve box sounds like the opposite of fun to me.
Memories can be made without more things
When it comes to the holidays, our family focuses on being together and enjoying the slower time of the year together. While I’ve seen a Christmas Eve crate used as a way to amplify these moments together, I think we can create memories just fine without adding more stuff to our lives.
Watching our favorite Christmas movie or baking the same cookies your grandma made while you were growing up are cozy moments with or without matching pajamas. When my kids look back on their childhood, I’m confident they’ll remember how these times felt and how much we smiled and laughed. And that’s what matters most.
Final Thoughts on Christmas Eve Gift Boxes
Just because Christmas Eve boxes aren’t for me, it doesn’t mean you should opt out. If the idea of putting together a box full of matching pajamas and trinkets adds joy to your season, you should absolutely partake. For me, it adds more pressure to an already busy time of year. If Christmas Eve boxes are on your holiday to-do list, slow down and enjoy them with your family.
Dana Peters, R.D.
Dana is a writer and registered dietitian specializing in family and kids nutrition living in the Chicago suburbs. From healthy family eating to reliable baby gear to wellness for moms, she has covered it all. She is mom to Charlie and Eva, a wannabe baker, and a farmer’s market enthusiast.