A question or two for those who do Christmas Eve hampers

[Pinner35]

So, I'm hoping to do a hamper for my DD's (aged 4.7 and 2.7). Firstly, do you use an actual hamper or could I improvise with a box (the only hamper I have is quite small)? And, since this is the first one they'll have, when do I tell them /give it to them? Do I do it in the morning, or wait until its time for an early bath?

TIA

This year I am putting stuff in a biggish Christmas gift bag I am putting a little note in the advent calender telling them where it is, I may but a time on it like check under the stairs at 12 noon or something!

I'm not buying a hamper just for this. I'm using a cardboard box covered in wrapping paper with the top lid bits tucked in so the top is open. Put the surprises inside then wrap up in clear cellophane (like a hamper would be) and a bow - just because I have them.

Our hamper is going to arrive after tea. They're normally in bed after story for 7pm, so I'll probably do the hamper around 4.30pm after an early 4pm tea - enough time for early bath, new PJs & slipper socks, snowman soup faff, popcorn faff, settle down then christmas eve DVD (Polar Express) and christmas story (T'was the night before christmas) snuggled in blankets with lights off. That should still get them in bed for 7pm. then open .

I just wrapped boxes. When you give it depends on what's in it I think, eg if there's a film they need to watch.

I've brought a couple of gift bags for DDs hampers. I'm hoping to sneak it under the tree late afternoon although not worked out exactly how yet.

Planning on:
PJs
DVD
Choc or biscuits
Toothbrush
Personalised flannels
Peppa bubble bath and foam soak

Have I forgotten anything?

I've never heard of Christmas Eve hampers before - what's it all about?

Ah, am liking the idea of the wrapped box finished off with cellophane. Will do that. Yes, I am putting in a film (Arthur Christmas) and popcorn, new pj's and a few other bits and pieces. Everydayaschoolday - I think I'll follow your logic as those timings seem about right. I'm so excited about the whole thing :)

Oh, what's snowman soup???

snowman soup is just hot chocolate with marshmallows and a peppermint stick, along with a poem. don't necessarily have to pop it all in the cellophane cone though - google brings up lots of ways to achieve.

Wtf is a christmas eve hamper? Don't your kids get enough the following day?

Ah, I see.

AnnieMated - yes, they get loads (including pj's, DVD,etc) so for me, this is a way of spreading things out.

AnnieMated - You have summed it all up perfectly for me, thankyou!!!

Snowman soup is water, innit?

Christmas eve hamper does not mean they get more. They just get a little bit (of what is already bought for them - Pjs, DVD & popcorn) the night before to extend the magic rather than just having it all on the one day. As Pinner35 said.

chaos

Oi Chaos tres amusing....now get thee back to WWF. I am awaiting on your move for several games. :)

Yes, thank you everyday....that's exactly how I see it. They get so much on Xmas day, that its nice to spread it out. Plus, we all get to snuggle up, eat popcorn and watch a lovely film, what's not to like?

I use felt bags with their names on, they arrive with the Elves on the 1st December, then they disappear with the Elves after being emptied on Christmas Eve.

They contain, a letter from Santa about how good they have been, pyjamas, slippers and new dressing gowns, 2 christmas books (1 each) and a new Christmas DVD, they are left on their beds as a surprise for post bath.

I am bursting with excitement already, and am in a dliemna as I dont know what my new baby is and it needs to have a little felt bag as well but I cant get the name onto it, my lovely aunt has cut our girl name letters out but we dont know what we are going to call a boy.

mmm maybe a new toothbrush and bubbles and they can have them pre bath, like that idea.

Sigh.

You konw I do it in bed.

MrsDeVere I have a template if you would like a copy, I use it for when elves arrive as well, printed on thick cream paper from Hobbycraft.

which night before christmas book do you recommend?

It has to be the official "night before christmas and all through the house" but tbh it goes ovee DCs heads a little, this year I have this

animal tales is absolutely stunning and there is always a free delivery code

and an other book I am not sure of yet.

Liz79 I had for many years a Night Before Christmas book from M&S but the illustrations were a bit cartooney IYSWIM.
This year I bought one from Waterstones (Buy One get One Half Price sale) . I went for the Christian Birmingham version, the pictures are more traditional (the text is all the same).
My DC are 10 and 13 but still love to read it before bed on Christmas Eve.