I have talked about our Christmas Eve traditions before
And Peter the Elf, who has become a huge part of our lives and festivities. As life is changing we have been faced with the decision of how to keep that magic alive. I can’t ever imagine Peter not being part of Christmas. He is as ingrained in Christmas for us as Santa is. Peter has always left us a Christmas Eve Box on Christmas Eve Morning if all is good and it is look promising for the good list.
But now the boys are older, the decision had to made whether to carry on or not? But why should you not have traditions with older children? Just because things have changed doesn’t mean the magic has gone, it is all a state of mind.
Peter the Elf has agreed he will continue to visit the Christie household and leave treats. It’s a wonderful start to Christmas. But I may have just made a few changes. Peter has a little more freedom. He is able to treat mum and dad a little more than ever before.
T0 create the perfect Christmas Eve box, you need to have a plan.
And mine is always aimed at a chilled evening round the log burner on Christmas Eve. In the past our box has featured festive stories, but those have now been traded in for a movie.
Of course new pjs are a must on Christmas Eve. So warm and snuggly pjs for the whole family are still a main feature of the box. When the boys were small there was no expectation of Ralph Lauren, as there are these days. But hey who am I to moan! I mainly buy pjs from TK.Maxx because I am able to fulfil designer wishes without compromise.
Snuggling by a roaring fire is thirsty work and refreshments are always very much-needed.
Hot chocolate mugs brimming with chocolate and marshmallow and a whisk to make delicious frothy chocolate is perfect for the boys. It seems nothing makes them happier than hot chocolate. And with the addition of a chocolate lolly for a Christmas Eve treat they are happy and chilled after generally a manic couple of weeks.
Whist the boys are slurping on their hot chocolate and cream mountain Chris and I will be sipping champagne cocktails. I have opted for bottle of Perrier Jouet and a small splash or Edinburgh Gin Rhubarb and Ginger liqueur. I can’t wait to try this, with gin being my new favourite drink I am quite giddy about a gin inspired cocktail.
And a candle to get us into the festive spirit, is it just me that fills my home with festive scented candles at this time of year. Being a person that is very driven by my sense of smell, I fee I must have certain scents around me at certain times and Christmas is all about spice, toffee and vanilla.
The only thing we need is Carole singers knocking at the door, wouldn’t that be wonderful?
But we have no chance of that living in the middle of nowhere. But in reality do we really want dragging away from our spot by the fire, probably not? We will be busy enjoy the magical time of year and feeling chilled, all ready for a day of cooking and over eating copious amounts of food.
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Those pyjamas are gorgeous and every Christmas Eve box should have champagne in too
Oh absolutely Karen, I love our little box x
Christmas Eve is absolutely my favourite part of Christmas. I love the carol service, the trip round the neighbourhood to see all the lights, the mince pies and new pyjamas for the kids, and the Christmas film before bed. In previous years we’ve always had the kids in bed early, then me and Jason watch The Holiday and drink Champagne, but now the kids are older we need to involve them. No more The Holiday, unfortunately – they’re not quite that old!
I also wish I’d never allowed the elf to get past the front door! I rather like the idea that he might bring a daily treat rather than commit a daily crime – I will have to look into your way of doing things 🙂
Helen me too, I love Christmas Eve, we are planning to walk to the pub for lunch by the fire, come home, make pizza and chill. And yes I don’t get naughty Elves at all? They are a bit scary ha ha x
What a lovely idea, I’m going to do it. Just perfect, all the nice things you need for that night xx
Simone I love our little tradition, it so lovely and have a lovely Christmas xxx
I love that your Christmas box involves the whole family. I still make a box for the kids but I don’t think to do one for me or Hywel. Oooooo now I am thinking a nice bottle of gin, fresh new PJs and some luxury hot chocolate just for me x
Tracey do it, you will not regret it, us adults should always get treats too, we have a very generous Elf x
The fairies still deliver pj’s and slippers to our house on Christmas Eve and it will always happen for whoever is around. I love candles all year round in our house, but I do swap them at this time of year for Christmassy ones. Enjoy the champagne lovely xx
Ah thanks Lisa, I will, and yes its a lovely tradition, like you we are thinking of New York next year but maybe in the winter x