Christmas Eve box and bedtime stories
A box of cosy things to open on Christmas Eve, and quiet stories to settle excited children. It is the calmest, kindest tradition of the season.
Christmas Eve is the longest night of the year for children. They are full of excitement, convinced they can hear sleigh bells and absolutely sure they will never fall asleep. A Christmas Eve box gives the evening a calm shape: something to open, something to read, and then bed.
The idea is simple. You pack a box with a few cosy things for children to open on the evening of the 24th, and a book is always the centrepiece.
What goes in a Christmas Eve box
- A new Christmas book to read together that evening.
- Pyjamas, ideally new ones, so everyone looks festive in the morning photos.
- A warm drink and a small treat, such as hot chocolate sachets or a biscuit to leave out for Santy.
- A small cuddly toy or a new pair of slippers for older children.
- A little extra: a torch for reading under the covers, a bookmark or a star to hang on the tree.
You do not need all of these. A wrapped book and a pair of pyjamas is a perfectly good Christmas Eve box.
Gentle stories for Christmas Eve
Choose quiet, slow stories. Save the loud and silly ones for earlier in the day.
The Night Before Christmas
By Clement C. Moore
The famous poem about a visit from Saint Nicholas, with a gentle rhythm that is hard to beat for the night itself. Many beautifully illustrated editions exist.
Christmas in the Barn
By Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Barbara Cooney
A quiet, simple telling of the Nativity. A good choice for families who include the story of the first Christmas.
The Snowman
By Raymond Briggs
With no words, you can tell it as softly and slowly as you like, which makes it a fine book for easing an overexcited child towards sleep.
The Polar Express
By Chris Van Allsburg
A dreamlike train journey to the North Pole. The pictures glow in the dark, and the pace is slow. Best for ages 5 and up.
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey
By Susan Wojciechowski, illustrated by P. J. Lynch
A longer, tender story for older children, with paintings by the Irish illustrator P. J. Lynch. Read it by lamplight.
Can’t You Sleep, Little Bear?
By Martin Waddell, illustrated by Barbara Firth
Not a Christmas book, but one of the best bedtime books there is. Little Bear’s lanterns end with a sky full of stars, which suits a starry December night.
A calm Christmas Eve routine
- Open the box in the early evening, so that there is time to enjoy it.
- Have a bath and put on pyjamas. Warm and clean, children settle more easily.
- Put out something for Santy. A mince pie, a carrot for the reindeer and a note are lovely rituals.
- Read the book together. Keep the lights low and your voice slow.
- Say goodnight to the stars. Look out of the window, or hang a star on the tree.
- Keep to the usual bedtime, as far as possible. Children who are overtired are more likely to wake early.
If your child cannot settle
- Offer a quiet audiobook or a soft playlist.
- Let them keep a torch and a book in bed for a few minutes.
- Stay calm and boring. A gentle, low-key response works better than a long talk.
- Reassure them. A simple, “Santy comes when everyone is asleep,” can help.
For more calming ideas, see our guide to bedtime stories for children.
Frequently asked questions
What should I put in a Christmas Eve box?
A new book, pyjamas and a small treat are the classic three. Add a cuddly toy, a torch, hot chocolate or a bookmark if you like. It does not need to be big or expensive.
What age is a Christmas Eve box for?
Any age. Babies enjoy a new board book and soft pyjamas, while older children may like a longer book and a small treat for the evening.
What is a good book to read on Christmas Eve?
The Night Before Christmas, The Snowman and Christmas in the Barn are popular choices because they are gentle and not too long. Pick something your child will enjoy hearing again each year.
How do I help my child sleep on Christmas Eve?
Keep the evening calm, avoid screens before bed, follow your usual routine as far as you can and read something quiet. A warm bath and a familiar book often help.