Christmas Eve gift / ideas

[Sweetpea302]

We (me and my OH) are spending Christmas this year with my parents (who, due to a ridiculous family disagreement, we've not seen in over a year) and my DSis and BIL and their three children (who range from todler to teenager) who I've not spent Christmas with in living memory.

I'd really like to prepare a little gift for at least the kids on Christmas Eve, but perhaps the adults too. Perhaps I have a twee idea of bringing everyone together and it being all cozy and lovely and I'm probably totally deluded, but I know that the atmosphere could potentially be a bit strained and I'd like to do something nice for everyone. I was inspired by the lovely Christmas Eve boxes that people make for their kids...

The problem is that I don't know what to do! My family tends to like quite "naice" things (the kids will only eat good qualily chocolate for instance). Should I do boxes for just the kids, or do something for everyone. If so, what? Help me please!!

To be honest, I'd be totally bemused if one of our guests did this...Christmas presents are for Christmas Day. Aren't those Christmas Eve boxes full of things like pjs you wear or use on Christmas Eve? Sorry, I feel a bit like a grinch now.

Christmas pjs for the children with a nice book wrapped up in Christmas paper

Christmas Eve gift giving is quite usual in my family as my parents have spent quite a bit of time in Germany, where its traditional. I was thinking of things that could be used on Christmas Eve - sorry, should have made that clearer.

I like the idea of the wrapped books.

What about separate kids boxes but one to share for the adults? The adults could have a big box of fancy chocs for sharing, some booze - that sort of thing?

Lots of parents do Christmas pjs, so maybe that wouldn't be such a great idea incase it steps on toes if things are still delicate? Maybe some Christmas socks and a Christmas throw / blanket? I just got the dcs a beautiful blanket each from Asda, red and white Christmas print, SOOO soft and fluffy, would never believe it was just £10. Maybe a classic Christmas movie DVD?

If it's to lighten the possible mood, what about kids' joke books, magic tricks or musical crackers?

Agree with avoiding PJs etc. that parents might do. Books sound good, apart from they might already have them. What about special Christmas tree decorations?

There are some lovely lovely ideas here! Thank you! Perhaps some Christmas decorations for the kids to decorate and put on the tree?

Think it's risky to take any sort of craft activity (except stickers) to someone else's house.
For example, I can't deal with glitter! Drives me bloody bonkers.
Bah humbug!
I'm getting a tin of family jokes from Lakeland this year.

What about chocolates, wine and a good (ice breaking!) game , like Scattegories or Trivial Pursuit?

Christmassy film, microwave popcorn, hot choc and marshmallows...and something boozy for the grown ups? Just be careful which film you choose, nothing too schmaltzy if you and the family have not been too close...you don't want to force it too much, just something lighthearted and festive?