Tradition: the handing down of information, beliefs and customs by word of mouth or by example from one generation to another without written instruction.
We all have family traditions that we look forward to each year and Christmas is the time that most traditions are centered around. Baking and decorating sugar cookies, driving around to look at the Christmas lights and cooking specific holiday dinner dishes are a few of ours. Last year I spent some time scouring the net for ideas of things that I could do to make the holiday season more memorable for my family. I am hugely guilty of getting caught up on details and wanting everything to be perfect, rather than letting go and just living in the moment – enjoying quality time as a family.
One of the things I found that called to me was gifting our kids with a ‘December 1st Box.’ I found the idea for this tradition at Merrick’s Art. I just did a little research to make sure that I remembered that correctly and this year she has a great post of 25 Ideas to Put in your December 1st Box.
What is a December 1st Box?
A December 1st box is a gift to be given to your children on December 1st (duh, right?) that will help get them excited about the holiday season. It should include items that scream Christmas and can help to pass the time or enjoy the season until Christmas arrives.
My December 1st Boxes
I believe that there are some staples that should be included in every December 1st box, staples that can be included year after year. My boxes include Christmas/winter pajamas. I always gift my kids new pajamas for Christmas, so why not gift these to them a few weeks early so that they can wear their festive jammies during the holiday season? I also include a new pair of slippers or cozy socks.
Mens/Teens Jammie Pants // Slippers
Girls Jammie Pants // Sequin Slipper Socks
The next key to a good December 1st box is to include a Christmas movie. I recommend you start a list in your phone notes or another safe place to keep track of what movies you have gifted them. Last year I got a little carried away and had a few movies in each kids’ box and I did not make note of what these movies were. I had to do some digging through our movie bins this year to try to figure out which Christmas movies they already have.
Along with the Christmas movie there should be some treats for them to enjoy while watching their movies – popcorn, candy canes, their favorite sweet. Last year I included some gourmet hot chocolate packets. This year I found these cute packs of Santa chocolates that you add to warm milk to create hot chocolate once they melt. I thought that sounded kind of fun.
Nothing in the box costs very much, but can you envision the kids climbing into their festive new jammies, grabbing a cup of cocoa and snuggling up on the couch to watch their new Christmas movie? Is there much that says ‘quality family time’ more than this?
I know that this post is too late for you to have been ‘prepared’ to do December 1st boxes for your kids this year, but maybe this year they can be December 10th boxes or maybe it will be a tradition that you decide to start next year? If you have any interesting traditions that your family shares I would love to hear them!
If you are interested in all things holiday and missed my Holiday Home Tour posts you can check them out HERE – Holiday Home Tour Part I and HERE – Holiday Home Tour Part II.
