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Original poster

Did you get a Christmas Eve box as a child?

220 replies

purplertwirl · 16/12/2023 22:03

I didn't, no new pjs, chocolates or anything like that. Basically nothing given on Christmas Eve.

My DS is 4 and I've done him a Christmas Eve box for the last 3 years. It's always pyjamas, a Christmas themed book, sweets, a mug etc. Not much really but it still costs, and I'm starting to think it might be a bit excessive on top of the cost of everything else.

I'm wondering, why/when did these become a thing? I'm 26 so my childhood wasn't "that" long ago, but now it's pretty much the norm 🤷🏻‍♀️

OP posts:
SilverAntelope · 16/12/2023 22:04

No I didn't. I think it's been a thing the last 5 years or so.

GigglemugsHere · 16/12/2023 22:05

Of course not. They are a really modern money making invention.
I have older teens and they weren’t even a thing when they were small -thank God!

YetMoreNewBeginnings · 16/12/2023 22:05

I’m late 40s and from 7 when living with my grandparents always got new Pjs on Christmas Eve (Nana later said to me that it was the one morning of guaranteed photos so she wanted us looking semi decent - her parents did the same!😂)

I was allowed, after much pleading, to open one present that was on the tree. Surprise surprise every year no matter the size or shape of present it was always a story book. My grandad then read me the story after I was in my new Pjs.

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AmazingDayz · 16/12/2023 22:06

No I didn't and my kids don't either ..

Reugny · 16/12/2023 22:06

Never got them and my DD, aged 5, doesn't get one.

She gets far too many Christmas presents as it is.

She is also able to wake up at some unearthly time on Christmas Day to open them.

TheCountessofFitzdotterel · 16/12/2023 22:06

Why don’t you keep the tradition of the box but just make it the same things that you get out each year then put away again after Christmas plus a few sweets?

No such thing when I was a nipper but then I am in my 50s, we didn’t even have sweets in our Advent calendars!

00100001 · 16/12/2023 22:07

They're relatively new thing.

However, I know people who would always get things like new socks/PJs or open one gift, on Christmas Eve

social media is making it a "thing"

Redcar78 · 16/12/2023 22:07

I'm 46 and Christmas eve boxes weren't a thing but my family is European and it was the norm to give new PJs and we were allowed to open one present, I used to love it but the new craze for Christmas eve boxes is really OTT 🤷‍♀️

JulieLew · 16/12/2023 22:08

No, and we don't bother with that for DC either, there's more than enough excitement, presents, expense, obligation, stress etc at this time of year.

ReindeerHoptimist · 16/12/2023 22:09

I am in my 50s
We got to open 1 present from under the tree- usually one sent from an aunt or great aunt

BabbleBee · 16/12/2023 22:10

Absolutely not! And nor did anyone I knew.

However, I did grow up with very little materially and parents who would never have been able to afford anything like a Christmas Eve box even if they’d wanted to.

Hellocatshome · 16/12/2023 22:10

Nope didnt qet diddly squat on Christmas Eve. DH always used to get new PJs on Christmas Eve so we have always done that for our kids. Christmas Eve boxes weren't a thing when they were little or Elf on the fucking Shelf so luckily we have never had to do either of these.

DappledThings · 16/12/2023 22:10

Nope. Was never a thing for us or to get new pyjamas or anything and I've never done it.

Jellykat · 16/12/2023 22:10

It wasnt a thing back in my day, but also no way could we afford it!
My DC never have either, i find it ridiculous tbh

TMess · 16/12/2023 22:11

Yes I did. 90s and early 00s. I do it with my dc but on the first day of December instead of Christmas Eve so they have a month to enjoy their themed pjs etc.

TheSuggestedAmendment · 16/12/2023 22:11

No because it is about ten minutes old

salamithumbs · 16/12/2023 22:12

I'm 29, I didn't get one and I didn't know anyone who did! I don't do them with my kids either... we bring a box of christmas storybooks down from the attic when we're decorating and read them during December, but not specifically new books or pjs on Christmas Eve. Hot chocolate whenever 😋

LunaLovegoodsLeftEyebrow · 16/12/2023 22:12

Nope.
our DC get new PJs but nothing else.

BendingSpoons · 16/12/2023 22:12

I didn't have one, nor do my kids. I think you can do a version with their stocking in (empty to hang up), hot chocolate sachet, marshmallows etc. Definitely cut the mug and maybe the book, or don't limit it to a Christmas book. PJs only if they need them.

eleah · 16/12/2023 22:15

No, but we got to open one present on Christmas Eve.

stepintochristmas1 · 16/12/2023 22:16

Absolutely not I was a 70s child , maybe if I was lucky on Christmas eve I opened a pair of pyjamas . Christmas was expensive enough for my parents , I suspect they saved up all year for Christmas .
My children were 90s kids , they didn't have them then either .

Diversion · 16/12/2023 22:16

No, I am way too old for this trend. My children always had new PJ's on Christmas Eve though. Nothing nicer than going to bed in new pjs and fresh bedding after putting out Santa's plate of goodies and the thought of what he might bring the next day. Nothing else was needed.

All2Well · 16/12/2023 22:16

Absolutely not and neither did anyone I know (I'm in my 30s).

I was always allowed to open one gift of Christmas Eve and it was always from one particular Aunt and Uncle who always bought me high quality PJs that looked good in the morning photos!

Original poster
purplertwirl · 16/12/2023 22:17

I wasn't even allowed to open one present on Christmas Eve, that was a straight no from my mum 😂

OP posts:
Maddy70 · 16/12/2023 22:17

No, it's a commercialised thing to exploit and guilt trip parents into buying more crap they don't need and can't afford

Not a thing I'm my house and never will be