This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx on behalf of Candlewick Press.
Something you want. Something you need. Something to wear. Something to read. This year may look different, but we can still hold on to some traditions. One of my favorite Christmas traditions is giving my children a Christmas Eve basket that is filled with fun things to do and fun holiday books to read.
I have been making these baskets since my son's first Christmas and it is a fun tradition that my children look forward to each year. I thought I would share some great ideas to fill your Christmas Eve basket if you would like to start this wonderful tradition.
Holiday Books for Kids
I enjoy getting my children a new holiday book each. Not just books about Christmas, but others as well. I love to encourage their minds in fun ways, make great memories, and have them learn about the world around them as well. Here some awesome suggestions from Candlewick Press:
Dasher: Everyone know Rudolph's tale, but this is a new origin story of one of Santa’s original reindeer and explains how Santa came to drive a team of reindeer. Dasher is an adventurous young reindeer with a wish in her heart. She spends her days with her family under the hot sun in a traveling circus, but she longs for a different life — one where there is snow beneath her hooves and the North Star above her head. One day, when the opportunity arises, Dasher seizes her destiny and takes off in pursuit of the life she wants to live. It’s not long before she meets a nice man in a red suit with a horse-drawn sleigh - a man named Santa. And soon, with the help of a powerful Christmas wish, nothing will be the same.
Pick a Pine Tree: This book includes rhyming text and the size is great for stockings. After getting the tree home, it’s time for the rituals of decorating— digging out boxes jam-packed with ornaments and tree trimmings, stringing tinsel, and, at long last, turning on those twinkling lights. This story celebration of family, friends, and the holiday season is as merry as the tradition it depicts. And includes a fun pop up surprise on the final page.
Hanukkah Magic of Nate Gadol: I love this one because it is perfect for Christian and Jewish families alike. In this charming holiday hybrid story, well-known children’s author and editor Arthur A. Levine pairs with award-winning illustrator Kevin Hawkes to offer a mythical, magical take on the way Jewish families came to give and receive gifts over Hanukkah, just as their Christian neighbors do at Christmas, thanks to a loving spirit named Nate Gadol and Santa working behind the scenes to help families in need in 19th century New York.
New Pajamas
Each year I like to get my kiddos new pajamas. Sometimes matching, sometimes not. One year the entire family got matching pajamas. And of course we throw in some cozy socks to complete.
Santa's Cookies Essentials
We include a pre-made mix, but you could add the homemade ingredients in a mason jar. I like to include frosting and sprinkles as well.
Items to Make Reindeer Food
I have a great recipe for reindeer food that I shared a few years ago. Please make sure to use edible glitter.
Easy Craft
An easy craft idea to do while we are waiting for my husband to get home from work. We made some awesome ornaments a few years ago that aren't super messy and very easy to throw together.
Hot Cocoa and Marshmallows
of course you can't forget the hot cocoa and marshmallows. Maybe even a special mug. My son actually doesn't like chocolate, but he loves the marshmallow part.
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Thanks!
♥,
Diana