This is the very first year putting together a Christmas Eve box, and I think it may become a brand new tradition for me.

I first heard about these boxes maybe two or three years ago, and at first, I thought it was just another way of getting more gifts. How very unfestive of me. But the more I thought about it, the more I realised how useful these boxes actually are. I like to define a Christmas Eve box as a box filled with gifts that are best suited for the day and night before. Something to help us get festive and even more excited about the next day celebrations. This may not be the official definition, but it's how I like to describe it - plus that's exactly what I like to use mine as.

Christmas Eve is one of my favourite days of the year. It's filled with so much excitement and anticipation. I always say that the build-up to Christmas is just as exciting as the actual day. On my Eve, I like to have a relaxing day. I usually abandon going to the shops a few days prior as after December 22nd, shops tend to get a little scary, which I can only describe as a post-apocalyptic moment. My gifts are most definitely wrapped before this day (I need to show-off my wrapping skills for as long as possible), and the day usually results in me watching Christmas movies, maybe doing little festive handcrafts, or colouring, and trying to snack on as little as possible. Between 25th-1st January there are no limitations when it comes to food; if I see something I like I will eat it and not feel guilty. So as a little preparation, I try not to eat too much. In the evenings I love having a little pamper session with a bath, face mask and just relax. I don't have many days during the year when I don't have any work related things to think about, so I take full advantage when I get the chance.

Making and customising your Christmas Eve box is very easy, and many shops now sell boxes especially for this kind of project. I decided to go for a crate instead of an actual box. I picked mine up from Waitrose, and it's in a grey, rustic colour, and look at those pretty heart handles! To customise, I used sticky back foam glitter letters to spell out 'Christmas Eve Box' - I went straight to the point. You can include a name also, or be general like mine. To decorate, I used a mini Christmas lights present trim to hang above the letters. Doesn't it just look so cute? Shred sheets of coloured paper to give your gifts a soft layer to sit on. All you have left to do is decide what to fill your box with.

I would always find gifts I feel would be more useful on Christmas Eve, nothing expensive though, just little personal presents. Here are some ideas if you need some inspiration.

DAY ACTIVITES

• Colouring book
• Christmas crafting (I have so many ideas here)
• Writing festive happy mail
• Christmas book

PAMPERING

• Nail varnish
• Bath bomb
• Face and hair mask
• Foot soak and creams

COSY NIGHT-IN

• A hottie/hot water bottle
• Pyjamas
• Socks
• Hot chocolate set

ENTERTAINMENT

• Dvd
• Board games
• Netflix subscription

FOOD

• Movie snacks
• Homemade truffles
• Festive treats
• Gingerbread in a jar

PERSONALISED GIFTS

• Tree decorations
• Mug
• Photos and frame
• Snow globe

How you'd like to fill your box will depend on the recipient of course, but those were just a general idea. Maybe you want to do something completely different from a crate or a box. Any sort of container can work, just think outside the box (quite literally). My mermaid stocking would be a great alternative too. Let me know in the comments below if you've ever made or received a Christmas Eve box, and what did you put/have inside. Can you believe we have just under a week left of blogmas! I hope you've enjoyed it so far, and if you've missed any posts, check out my advent calendar.