For children, it’s the day and night before Santa arrives to drop off gifts for them. So, it’s very exciting! Christmas Eve is the night when everything is buzzing and the presents are under the tree, and in 2023, it will also be a night to spend time with family.

However, with Christmas being so expensive, it can be hard to make Christmas Eve special without breaking the bank, but here, you’ll be guided through some of the most budget-friendly options to help you do just that. Enjoy!

Plan it All In Advance

There’s no point in looking into Christmas Eve box ideas if you can’t afford to get them. So, if you’re opting to have a special Christmas Eve with your kids, then be sure to check your finances as far as you can in advance and budget for what you can afford. This way, no one will be disappointed, and you won’t end up broke after the big day!

Start A Tradition

Family traditions are what make Christmas special, and while it can be easy to carry one on from your own childhood, why not start a new one? Granted, this can be tricky, but there are many options to choose from. 

In the modern age of apps, this could involve tracking Santa online, baking him cookies and putting them out next to the fireplace, or making a gingerbread house.

This can also be a great time to teach children about the act of giving by asking each child to leave one toy out that they no longer play with for Santa to collect. Then, all you need to do is slip the toy into a bag and store it in your room until the next time you swing by a charity shop.

Bake Items

Nothing gets the family into the festive spirit like doing some Christmas Eve baking. This could involve baking mince pies, gingerbread cookies, a gingerbread house, or, if you’re feeling brave, making a yule log! The best part is that these can be eaten on the same day or saved until the day after without ruining the festive fun for everyone!

Watch a Christmas Movie

There are so many Christmas movies to watch that you may find it hard to narrow down which one you want to spend your Christmas Eve engrossed in. 

If you live with young kids, then you should opt for an age-appropriate option, like The Muppet Christmas Carol. If they’re older, then why not watch one of the festive classics, like Die Hard? Yes, that’s a Christmas movie! You could even plan a movie marathon with some hot chocolate and gingerbread biscuits.

Go For a Festive Walk

This is a very old-fashioned idea, but it’s making a comeback for families up and down the country. So, why not use Christmas Eve to go for a walk? This could be around your local town, where you can see the lights without the hassle of buying things. Or why not walk with your kids around your local park? 

Of course, you can make sure that everyone is wearing festive gear to add a sense of whimsy to the occasion. If you have young kids, it will also help them to get to sleep on the most exciting night of the year!