We’re Helping Santa Load His Sleigh, One Gift at a Time! Featuring PatPat, GourmetGiftBaskets.com, and wonderful Etsy finds for the whole family — including our four-legged family members!
For my family Christmas Eve is one of the most magical nights of the year. For our family it’s time to gather around the Christmas tree and open presents. Other families wait until Christmas morning, while some celebrate with church services, family dinners, holiday movies, or traditions passed down through generations.
Here at GreatfulMoments.com, I believe Christmas Eve is about making memories, not just opening presents. This year, I’ve been thinking about putting together a special Christmas Eve basket for each family member. Nothing has to be expensive or elaborate. It’s about choosing a few thoughtful surprises that make everyone feel loved.
I’m picturing new Christmas pajamas for everyone, including our dogs, a cozy blanket to snuggle under, a brand-new book, a festive mug filled with hot chocolate, and delicious treats to enjoy during Christmas movie night. We’ll have a taco bar for dinner because it’s easy peasy and something everyone will eat that doesn’t cause drama, and we will enjoy some games, then I will spend ten minutes reading and hopefully Charlie and David will join me then we will leave cookies and milk out for Santa before bedtime.
And there’s something else I want families to remember during the holiday season: Don’t forget the December birthdays! My son Charlie was born on December 16th, and Christmas should never overshadow someone’s birthday simply because they were born in December. So let’s start planning a Christmas Eve filled with family traditions, laughter, and memories!
One idea I love is preparing a Christmas Eve basket or box for every family member. You could use a reusable basket, a Christmas gift bag, or even a decorated cardboard box. If you ask Charlie and David they would say trash bags would work to because once the Gifts are opened you have a place to put the trash you will collect keeping the living room neat which will be a Godsend.
Here are some things I’d include:
- A new pair of Christmas pajamas
- A soft, cozy blanket
- A new book chosen especially for that person
- A festive Christmas mug
- Hot chocolate or another favorite drink
- A special snack or sweet treat
- A small game or Christmas activity
And if your family has dogs, don’t forget their Christmas Eve surprises! These baskets can be as simple or elaborate as your budget allows. You don’t have to purchase everything at once, and you can even reuse some items from year to year. When shopping check with friends and neighbors they may have things they don’t need.
1. PatPat — Matching Christmas Pajamas for the Whole Family, Including the Dogs! When shopping for yourself also check on PJ’s for the dogs. One of the first things I thought about when planning our Christmas Eve baskets was giving everyone a new pair of Christmas pajamas and because I’ve worked with PatPat in the past and received Christmas pajamas from them, they were one of the first companies I wanted to include in our 2026 Christmas Gift Guide Wishlist.
If Charlie hadn’t gotten so tall we would have still used those PJs but they just do not fit because I love the idea of everyone changing into their Christmas pajamas after dinner, gathering around the tree, and taking a family picture. Some families like mine love matching pajamas, while others prefer letting everyone choose their favorite Christmas design. Either way, it’s a fun tradition that children and adults can enjoy together.
And this year, we can’t forget our dogs! I want our four-legged family members to have Christmas pajamas, too. After all, they’re part of the family, and they deserve to be included in the Christmas pictures. Just make sure pet pajamas fit comfortably and don’t restrict movement.
Why PatPat Is on Our Christmas Wishlist: I’ve worked with them before, and I love the idea of turning Christmas pajamas into a tradition that includes everyone in the family.
Shop: PatPat Family Christmas Pajamas | PatPat Dog Pajamas
2. Vintage Christmas Flannel Throw Blanket — Wrap Up in Christmas Memories– Featured Etsy Shop: Kritsabo
I thought I would ask you a question. What’s Christmas Eve without a cozy blanket? While browsing Etsy, I discovered a beautiful Vintage Christmas Flannel Throw Blanket featuring Santa Claus, snowy cottages, red cardinals, and peaceful winter forest scenes.
The design caught my attention because it reminds me of old-fashioned Christmas decorations and the beautiful illustrations in Christmas storybooks. I can picture this blanket draped over the couch, waiting for someone to curl up underneath it with a Christmas book and a cup of hot chocolate.
I especially like that this isn’t just a blanket for children. Mom, Dad, grandparents, and older children could all enjoy a cozy Christmas throw. And because it has such a classic holiday design, it’s something you could bring out every Christmas season.
You might even decide to purchase a different blanket for each family member, choosing colors and patterns that fit their personalities. We have blankets for all the #Holiday’s but its something I give Charlie and David all the time because you can not have to may blankets. Can you?
Why It’s on Our Christmas Wishlist: A blanket is a practical gift that can become part of a treasured family tradition.
3. Let’s Taco ’bout It Gift Set — A Special Christmas Surprise for David! Featured Company: GourmetGiftBaskets.com
While browsing GourmetGiftBaskets.com, I discovered their Let’s Taco ’bout It Gift Set, and I immediately thought of David because he enjoys a good beer. I thought this would make a fun Christmas gift for him, especially because it combines savory treats with beer. And then I had another idea.
Why not turn Christmas Eve dinner into a family taco bar? David can enjoy his special adult gift, while the rest of us build our own tacos with our favorite toppings. We could set out seasoned ground beef or chicken, tortillas, shredded lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, salsa, sour cream, and guacamole. We could also offer beans and other meat-free fillings so everyone has something they enjoy.
The best part is that much of the meal can be prepared ahead of time, leaving us more time to spend together. I love finding gifts that inspire family traditions and will be used over and over and not put in a closet and forgot about, and this one gave me an idea for a fun Christmas Eve dinner.
A note for families: The Let’s Taco ’bout It Gift Set is intended for adults because it includes alcoholic beverages. I do not condone drinking but believe it’s everyone’s choice to or not and once in a while I will have a drink with David and my friends. This is why the family taco bar is a separate dinner idea that children and adults can enjoy together.
Why It’s on Our Christmas Wishlist: I chose this gift with David in mind because he enjoys beer, and it inspired a family taco-night tradition.
Shop: Browse GourmetGiftBaskets.com for the Let’s Taco ’bout It Gift Set
4. Deluxe Gags and Games Candy and Toy Gift — Let the Family Fun Begin! Featured Company: GourmetGiftBaskets.com
After dinner, it’s time for a little family fun! Another product that caught my attention was the Deluxe Gags and Games Candy and Toy Gift from GourmetGiftBaskets.com. I love the idea of having a surprise gift filled with playful activities and treats for the family to enjoy.
We could take turns opening surprises, playing games, sharing candy, and making each other laugh. And while Christmas Eve can be busy, I think spending time together is one of the best gifts we can give one another. This would also make a fun gift idea for families who enjoy game nights throughout the year. Parents should check any small toys and candy for age suitability before sharing them with younger children.
Why It’s on Our Christmas Wishlist: It’s a playful gift idea that encourages laughter, games, and family time.
5. Hot Chocolate Shots — A Sweet Christmas Eve Surprise From DipDipGoose
Christmas Eve wouldn’t be complete without hot chocolate! While searching Etsy, I discovered Hot Chocolate Shots, Holiday Cocoa Gifts and Gift Sets from DipDipGoose. I immediately thought these would make a wonderful addition to our Christmas Eve baskets.
Instead of giving everyone an ordinary packet of hot chocolate, why not include a special cocoa treat? I especially like the idea of choosing a gift set that could be shared with the family. We could set up a Christmas Eve hot chocolate station with marshmallows, whipped cream, candy canes, and everyone’s favorite toppings. Then everyone can make their own special cup of cocoa before movie time.
I love finding creative products from Etsy sellers because they give us an opportunity to support small businesses during the holidays.
Why It’s on Our Christmas Wishlist: These festive cocoa treats would make a fun addition to Christmas Eve baskets, stocking stuffers, or gifts for hot chocolate lovers.
6. Retro Christmas Mugs — A Holly Jolly Cup for Everyone!
Featured Etsy Shop: DungStainedArt
If we’re having hot chocolate, hot Apple Cider or Coffee everyone needs a special Christmas mug! I found the cutest retro-inspired Christmas mugs on Etsy. The listing is called Retro Christmas Mug, Holly Jolly Christmas Coffee Cup, and there was a Vintage Reindeer Holiday Mug, and Mid Century Christmas Decor, Festive Gift for Her.
I love the vintage Christmas designs because they remind me of the decorations and holiday dishes families used years ago. While looking at the different options, I even spotted mugs I thought would be perfect for David, Charlie, and me. When I first saw them, they were approximately $10.50 each, although prices can change depending on the size and options selected.
I think it would be fun for everyone to have their own Christmas mug. Children could enjoy hot chocolate, while adults could use theirs for coffee, tea, or cocoa. And the mugs could become part of a tradition that families repeat year after year. Imagine pulling out everyone’s special Christmas mugs every December and remembering the Christmas Eves you’ve spent together.
Why They’re on Our Christmas Wishlist: They’re nostalgic holiday gifts that can be used throughout the Christmas season.
7. Don’t Forget December Birthdays — They Deserve Their Own Celebration! Featured Company: GourmetGiftBaskets.com
Featured Gift: Happy Birthday Bakery Box — Product ID 8977
With all the excitement surrounding Christmas, there’s something I want families to remember. Don’t forget the December birthdays! My son Charlie was born on December 16th, just nine days before Christmas. And one thing I believe is that Christmas should never overshadow someone’s birthday simply because they were born during the holiday season.
Whether someone celebrates their birthday on December 1st, December 16th, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or New Year’s Eve, their special day deserves to be recognized. That’s one reason the Happy Birthday Bakery Box from GourmetGiftBaskets.com caught my attention.
I originally thought about it for Charlie’s birthday, and I still think it would make a wonderful way to celebrate him. Then I realized bakery treats could also inspire ideas for our Christmas Eve movie night. But that doesn’t mean Charlie’s birthday should become part of Christmas.
His birthday is December 16th, and Christmas is December 25th. They’re two separate celebrations, and both deserve to be special.
If you have a December birthday in your family, here are a few things to remember:
- Celebrate their birthday separately from Christmas whenever possible.
- Wrap birthday presents in birthday paper, not Christmas wrapping paper.
- Let them choose their birthday dinner, cake, or special activity.
- Avoid combining birthday and Christmas gifts unless that’s what they actually want.
- Make sure they know their birthday matters just as much as anyone else’s.
Christmas is a wonderful time of year, but birthdays are about celebrating the person. And whether they’re turning five, sixteen, thirty, or sixty, everyone deserves to feel special on their birthday. Happy early birthday to Charlie, and happy birthday to everyone celebrating in December! May your special day be filled with love, laughter, and memories that belong just to you.
Why It’s on Our Wishlist: The Happy Birthday Bakery Box reminds us that December birthdays deserve their own celebration, separate from Christmas.
8. A New Book for Everyone — Our 10-Minute Reading Challenge
One thing I don’t want families to forget is the importance of reading together. Here at GreatfulMoments.com, we’re encouraging families to participate in our 10-Minute Reading Challenge. And what better night to make time for a story than Christmas Eve? I’d love to see every family member receive a new book in their Christmas Eve basket.
Babies and Toddlers, Ages 0–3– Choose a colorful board book, a touch-and-feel book, or a simple Christmas story that parents can read aloud. Children, Ages 4–8– Look for picture books, early readers, or stories about Christmas, friendship, kindness, and family. Older Children, Ages 9–12– Chapter books, mysteries, adventures, and fantasy stories could make wonderful gifts. Teenagers, Ages 13–17– Consider young adult novels, graphic novels, mysteries, fantasy, or books about their favorite interests. Young Adults and Parents– A favorite author, inspirational book, cookbook, mystery, or novel could make a thoughtful addition to their basket. Grandparents– Don’t forget grandparents! A devotional, inspirational book, family-history book, or favorite novel might be just the thing.
After everyone receives their Christmas Eve baskets, gather together for ten minutes of reading. Younger children can listen to a story, older children can read independently, and adults can enjoy their own books. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Ten minutes of reading could become a family tradition that continues long after Christmas.
Our Christmas Eve Reading Wishlist: One new age-appropriate book for every family member.
9. Don’t Forget Our Four-Legged Family Members!
Pets are part of the family, so why shouldn’t they enjoy Christmas Eve, too? Along with matching Christmas pajamas from PatPat, you could prepare a little Christmas Eve basket for your dog. Include a new toy, a cozy blanket, and a dog-safe treat. And don’t forget to include them in your family Christmas pictures!
Just make sure their PatPat Dog Pajamas fit comfortably and don’t restrict movement, and keep chocolate, candy, and other unsafe foods out of their reach.
10. Santa Needs a Special Cookie Plate!
Before everyone heads to bed, there’s one more tradition we can’t forget. We need a special plate for Santa’s cookies! I love the idea of choosing a Christmas plate that can be brought out year after year. Children can help bake or select the cookies, arrange them on Santa’s plate, and pour him a glass of milk. You could even leave a carrot for the reindeer. A personalized plate with the children’s names would make an especially meaningful keepsake. We haven’t selected our exact Santa plate yet, but families can browse the options here: Explore Santa Cookie Plates on Etsy And remember the cookies we discussed earlier? Those could come in handy if you don’t have time to bake!
Let’s Plan Our Christmas Eve Family Celebration!
Here’s how I picture our family spending Christmas Eve.
5:00 PM — Build-Your-Own Taco Bar– Everyone gathers around the table and enjoys their favorite tacos.
6:00 PM — Open Our Christmas Eve Baskets– It’s time for new pajamas, cozy blankets, Christmas mugs, books, and treats.
6:30 PM — Family Games and Laughter– Break out the games, enjoy some candy, and make everyone laugh.
7:00 PM — Our 10-Minute Reading Challenge– Spend ten minutes reading together or enjoying your new books.
7:15 PM — Christmas Movie Night– Grab your blankets, make hot chocolate, and settle down with cookies and snacks.
Before Bed — Cookies for Santa– Set out Santa’s cookie plate, pour his milk, and get ready for Christmas morning!
Of course, every family can adjust the schedule to fit their own traditions, including Christmas Eve church services, visits with relatives, or bedtime routines.
As I put together this Christmas Eve Family Traditions Gift Guide, I keep thinking about how easy it is to get caught up in shopping and preparing for Christmas. But some of the best Christmas memories don’t come from expensive gifts. They come from sitting around the dinner table laughing together.
They come from watching a favorite Christmas movie while wrapped in a cozy blanket. They come from reading a Christmas story, drinking hot chocolate, and watching children carefully arrange cookies for Santa. It doesn’t matter whether your family opens presents on Christmas Eve or waits until Christmas morning. What matters is spending time together and creating traditions your children and grandchildren will remember. And that’s what our Christmas Gift Guide Wishlist is all about.
We’re Helping Santa Load His Sleigh, One Gift at a Time!
We’re excited to share businesses we’ve worked with before and introduce readers to small businesses we’ve discovered along the way. If something catches your eye, please take a moment to visit their shops and explore their products. Please let them know GreatfulMoments.com sent you.
Our Featured Christmas Eve Shopping Links:
- PatPat — Matching Christmas Pajamas
- PatPat — Pet Christmas Pajamas
- Kritsabo — Vintage Christmas Flannel Throw Blanket
- GourmetGiftBaskets.com — Let’s Taco ’bout It Gift Set
- GourmetGiftBaskets.com — Deluxe Gags and Games Candy and Toy Gift
- DipDipGoose — Hot Chocolate Shots
- DungStainedArt — Retro Holly Jolly Christmas Mug
- GourmetGiftBaskets.com — Happy Birthday Bakery Box
- Etsy — Browse Santa Cookie Plates
Now we’d love to hear from you!
Does your family open Christmas presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning? Do you have a special Christmas Eve basket tradition? And what’s one Christmas Eve memory you’ll never forget? Share your traditions with us in the comments!
Merry Christmas from our family to yours!
GreatfulMoments.com Grateful, Thankful, and Blessed.
Disclosure: This article is a Christmas Gift Guide Wishlist featuring products we’ve selected for consideration. Some businesses have worked with us previously, but that does not mean we’ve personally tested every product listed here. Product availability, pricing, contents, and shipping terms may change. Any gifted items, sponsorships, or affiliate relationships will be disclosed as applicable.
Thank you,
Glenda, David & Charlie Cates
