With young children in our home, Christmas morning is very much a “last one to the tree is a rotten egg” kind of deal. The last thing I want to do is put the excitement on hold while I find the camera or when we need scissors to open a package. So, a few years ago, I planned ahead and the Under the Christmas Tree Basket has been a part of our Christmas tradition ever since.
Find a medium-sized basket. I picked a Christmas-y one up at Hobby Lobby when they were 50% off.
Next, on Christmas Eve, fill up your basket with all the items you might need on Christmas day:
- Screwdrivers (phillips and flat or an all-in-one screwdriver)
- Scissors
- Needle-nose pliers
- Box cutter
- Scotch tape
- Extra bows
- Camera
- Video camera
- Batteries (various sizes)
- Garbage bags (Thanks to Jayme!)
- Wire cutters (Thanks to Jayme!)
Finally, tuck the basket away under the tree. (NOTE: Please keep all sharp objects away from small children.)
The funny thing is that no matter what I have in the basket, we always need something odd that I didn’t put in it. However, I definitely spend less time running around on Christmas morning and get to sit and enjoy the chaos.
Jayme says
Great list! We do something similar but add wire cutters & extra garbage bags to the basket. 🙂
Penny says
I love those additions! I’m going to to add those to the list. Thanks, Jayme!
Dee Johnson says
I pinned it! I don’t know why I never thought to do this before. Thanks!
Penny says
I am so glad I can help, Dee! I know you probably have your hands super full on Christmas morning. 🙂
Jamie (@va_grown) says
What a great idea! I’ve actually started filling and lining up lidded cups for each child in the fridge on Christmas Eve so that I don’t have to stop taking pictures or helping with packages to fix drinks for everyone 15 minutes into the morning.
Penny says
I LOVE this idea. I am going to do this! Thanks, Jamie.
Joan says
Similar to the sippy cup idea, when Santa fills our stockings he put a few juice boxes and breakfast bars on top. It allows me to be present in the room and not busy in the kitchen while the kids are having fun, and it makes sure the kids eat something in the morning so they don’t end up having a low blood sugar meltdown after all the boxes are unwrapped!
Penny says
LOVE, love the juice boxes. I am definitely doing that. Thanks Joan!
Laura says
I usually make sure I have my camera and extra batteries ready because my camera eats batteries for lunch. But I love the idea of this basket. One thing that we always do here is cut open all the tape on the outside packaging of a toy, cut most of the infuriating wires and strings holding a toy in the packaging, and if possible (and needed) put batteries in it BEFORE wrapping the gift.
Penny says
That is SUPER smart, Laura. I’ve never thought about doing that before. Now I am going to comb through our stuff and see what I can do.
Dollie @ Teachers of Good Things says
What a SUPER great idea! I have never heard this one and it makes so much sense!
I saw you at the What Works Wednesday link up!
Christi says
Smart. I love this idea!
Penny says
Thanks, Christi. I hope it helps you! 🙂
Jojo says
I love this! I do have an add though. How about a large open ended box already giftwrapped so your photos don’t haveva trashbag in the center ofvtje room? All ripped off wrapping paper goes in the box!
Penny says
Very cute idea, Jojo! As you can see from the picture above, that is a perfect idea for us. 🙂
Mandy says
What an amazing idea! With a 2 and 3 year old this year, the basket would be awesome!! 🙂
Penny says
I am so glad that you think this can help, Mandy. Merry Christmas!
Dawn O says
Non-sugary snacks to help keep everyone from getting grumpy later on from the sugar crash from their stockings. We usually have sausage balls or some other finger food on hand.
Penny says
We put granola bars and raisins in the stockings, but having something available for the early morning nibbles is a great idea. I might not recommend putting food under your Christmas tree on Christmas Eve, especially if you have pets, but having something prepared in the refrigerator. 🙂
Lisha Driver says
I love the Under The Tree Basket idea. Very smart! I usually have a garbage bag handy but that’s it. We always end up looking for tools we need. Thanks for the great idea!
Penny says
Thanks for the comment, Lisha. Wishing you a very peaceful Christmas morning. 🙂
Lawana says
What a great idea! I’m listing items to hubby right now. LOL
Merry Christmas!
Penny says
Fabulous! I am glad you think it will help. 🙂
Patricia says
thank you for this list, also black sharpie case you need to write names, now we know who is whos for certain items.
Angel says
What are the extra bows for?
Penny says
LOL. Those were some renegade that we could not get to stick to their presents so I tossed them in there, deciding to just stick them at the last minute, and didn’t remove them before the picture.
Tracy @ usingtimewisely.com says
Love this! Also, add a hand-crank can opener for those plastic packages (think bundle of batteries). The can opener will open the package without hurting your hand trying to cut the plastic. 🙂 Merry Christmas!
Penny says
GREAT idea, Tracy. That would certainly be safer that leaving a box cutter in there.
Kindra says
Last year, my daughter was 3 and I took a lot of things out of the box, put it in batteries, etc. and then put it in a gift bag. No waiting forever just to get the toy out of the blasted box. Also eliminated some of the clutter. For a 3-yr-old who was not patient, it was perfect.
Nadia says
How about a bag for keeping bows in to reuse again? A note pad for noting who sent what so you can encourage kids to send thank you notes. And a lint roller to pick up all that GLITTER!
Penny says
Great ideas, Nadia!
Rose says
I’ve been doing this for years too. I also put I. The basket a large manilia envelope to keep all the instructions and product info so they don’t get thrown out with all the wrapping paper.
Jenetta Penner says
Nice idea, will definitely save lots of headaches during those busy Christmas mornings!
Connie says
I love this idea and have started collecting items for my basket. I was also thinking some ziploc bags would be a great addition for holding small parts. We always have Monster High shoes, My Little Pony combs, etc. that we tend to misplace. Someone else mentioned a Sharpie, which would come in handy to label the bags. Thanks so much for this awesome idea!
Alex says
We also have a designated box or laundry basket for each person to put their stuff in as they open it that way stocking stuffers and small things like gift cards don’t get lost or mixed up 🙂
Iris says
Oh wow! Great idea! Somehow, it never occurred to me to have any of those items ready ahead of time, but I KNOW I would be disappointed if I miss all the fun while running all over the house for things ;). Our kids are still young, so this is the first Christmas they are really understanding and excited. You have just given me the best preparation idea I’ve seen yet :). Thank you, thank you!!!
Lisa says
So smart. I would not have thought of this.
Jess says
Ack…Fantastic idea!!! I’ll be putting mine together tonight. Thanks so much for sharing this idea. I’m going to share with Scratch Mommy readers later today. 🙂
Grace Houle says
This is a really great idea! Thank you so much for sharing.
Kristi Clover says
BRILLIANT!! I usually have all these items close by, but I love the idea of putting them in a basket!! Wire cutters especially!! Oh, and our Christmas tradition (since I was a kid), Santa brings us mini boxes of sugar cereal and mandarin oranges in our stockings. The kids have these right after we open stockings giving me time to get the fancy breakfast put together. 🙂 Thanks for the great idea, Tabitha!! 🙂