Parenting
Splendid Christmas Eve Present Box Suggestions
Are you overwhelmed by the early display of Christmas items in stores, starting as early as August? Despite my love for Christmas, I believe there should be restrictions, such as radio stations playing holiday music too soon and stores stocking items prematurely.
The new fad of gifting carefully selected Christmas Eve boxes to loved ones captured my interest, despite my initial doubt. I chose to delve into this Christmas Eve box trend to explore its essence.
What Constitutes a Christmas Eve Box?
Christmas Eve boxes are a means of presenting small gifts like festive pajamas, books, and decorations on the day before Christmas. Some families use them as farewell gifts from their Elf on the Shelf. They also serve as charming and meticulously arranged content for social media.
Many individuals argue that the items placed in a Christmas Eve box are items we would typically purchase, just elegantly packaged for the sake of festivity. Nonetheless, I don’t entirely concur. Here’s why:
Reasons Behind My Choice to Abstain from a Christmas Eve Box for My Children
My schedule is packed
Mothers usually bear the brunt of the holiday gift-giving responsibilities. While I don’t mind this, I prefer not to have additional tasks piled onto my already extensive to-do list. I would rather be fully present with my family than allocate extra time to pondering about presents.
Studies indicate children thrive with fewer toys
Having an excess of gifts and toys results in more cleaning and organizing, and studies indicate that children thrive with fewer toys. A less cluttered playroom encourages longer and more imaginative play, as well as enhanced concentration. In a world filled with countless diversions, I aim to help my children cultivate concentration and a longer attention span.
The Christmas Eve box’s historical basis is inaccurate
Some sources reference the German tradition of exchanging gifts the night prior to Christmas as the inspiration for Christmas Eve boxes. Nevertheless, my husband, who hails from Germany, has clarified that in Germany, gifts are only exchanged on Christmas Eve, and not on any other day. The historical foundation does not completely align with the tradition in Germany.
The materialism surrounding the holidays is already excessive (for me)
Striking a balance between the materialism of Christmas gift-giving and the true essence of the holidays is already a challenge for me. Adding more gifts with a Christmas Eve box does not appeal to me, as I do not relish bestowing gifts merely for the sake of it.
Memorable experiences can be created without acquiring more possessions
Our family places emphasis on being together and relishing the unhurried pace of the holidays. While some utilize Christmas Eve boxes to fashion memorable moments, we are convinced that we can forge enduring memories without introducing more possessions into our lives. Watching the same Christmas movie or baking family recipes are meaningful moments with or without matching pajamas. I am confident that our children will recollect the sentiment of these times and the shared joy.
Even though Christmas Eve boxes are not suited to me, if they spark joy in you, fill those boxes with enthusiasm. As for me, Christmas Eve boxes will not be included in my holiday plans.