Have just seen a lovely idea on another thread for Christmas eve hampers for the dc.

[comewhinewithme]

Link here I think it is a really good idea especially when things are getting a bit manic overexciting on Christmas eve.

[Cadelaide]

Hmm.

Nice, but where does it all end?

Just sooo much spending of money I simply don't have.

[comewhinewithme]

I know I have 6 dc to buy for and haven't even started yet but I do prefer Christmas eve to the actual day so I think I will do it as Christmas eve always seems a bit more magical and exciting to me.

[perdu]

sorry but can't you wait for Christmas day?

Why so much endless spending?

You do realise that it originally was the brainwave of the retailers to think up a Christmas Eve hamper - you have been well and truly sucked in....

Want to get some Xmas spirit? How about the old fashioned way of creating it rather than buying it in the shape of new PJs and a "xmas duck for the bath from ebay"....

heard it all

off back to the real world

[comewhinewithme]

Perdu why so bitchy?

[ThisPhantomPlopsPumpkins]

Bit harsh Perdu.

[ApplesinmyPocket]

After mulled wine and Carols from Kings, I've always given out a small present with our special Christmas Eve meal - as Comewhine says, to me and the DDs (now grown up but still big Christmas fans) the Eve seems to have more a magical air than the actual day.

Last year it was Xmas pyjamas - to be worn on Xmas Day - Rudolph 'footies' - small dress-jewellery item on a Christmas theme - a quiz I make myself for each DD and DH to work on at quieter moments - sparkly reindeer bait so we can all go out into the garden at dark and throw it and watch it sparkle by moonlight!

I don't buy extra things - just spread the magic a little.

[comewhinewithme]

Just thought it was a nice idea lots of posters on here always do the new pyjama thing on Xmas eve.

Getting fed up of people jumping down your throat on Mn lately.

FGS I would understand if I had posted
"Let's all eat our babies on Xmas eve" rather than "Look at this idea for a hamper on xmas eve".

[Bleatblurt]

I actually love this idea. Doesn't have to be expensive at all. Thanks OP, going to read the MSE thread for inspiration.

[comewhinewithme]

Yes we already do the reindeer food in fact last year I made loads for dd's class too < just think of the extra expense Perdu >.

[Bleatblurt]

Eat our babies, you say? Hmmm, DS3 does have rather chubby edible looking thighs...

[Cadelaide]

Actually, if you read further along the MSE thread (which I have now done) YOU DO GET A FEW IDEAS FOR CHEAp (opps, caps) and even free stuff.

[comewhinewithme]

Butterball so does DD .

[mummyofevilprincesses]

We always give the girls one present to open on Christmas Eve- it is always new PJs to wear after their bath. It is a part of our routine, to be done just before we put the landing lights on the garden path (tealights in jars) for Santa.

But even for me a hamper seems a bit OTT.

[LynetteScavo]

OMG - you are all so organised! I'm usually still putting up the tree on Christmas Eve, and making sure all presents are wrapped.

[ThisPhantomPlopsPumpkins]

It's a great idea, don't let the grinch Perdu get to you.

[Bleatblurt]

A wee hamper with new pjs, a christmassy dvd, hot choc packet with a packet of marshmallows to sprinkle over the top, a santa mug to put it in - that kind of thing...that would be so fab. We could all snuggle up (wearing new pjs of course!) to watch the dvd with the hot chocolate, all cosy on christmas eve evening. I feel all excited now.

[Cadelaide]

Ah, but this is where it all falls apart for the likes of LynetteScavo and myself.

Snuggle up and watch a dvd on xmas eve? Not until I've finished everything at about 11.55pm

[comewhinewithme]

I am not organised Lynette .

DVD £2.00 -£4.00
Slipper socks primark £1.00
bathbomb/shower gel £1.00
Reindeer food about a £1.00
Popcorn/hot choc £2.00

Sneaking into the kitchen for a glass of wine while the dc are quiet for the first time that day priceless. .

[Bleatblurt]

I will think of you both as I sit all smug and relaxed.

[reban]

i like the idea of a special hamper for xmas eve but our day will just be too busy anyway .. it is dd2 first birthday, so will be having a family party in the afternoon and then off to xmas eve mass at 7pm. Hopefully will then be bundling all four dcs into bed after that! I think though that new pjs and crafty things are always a good idea for xmas presents and will no doubt come in handy on those long days off school!

[Cadelaide]

"Sneaking into the kitchen for a glass of wine while the dc are quiet for the first time that day priceless".

Hmm. I think I'm beginning to see the point...

[Bleatblurt]

Oh yes, popcorn. Good one. >

This kind of thing will be good for getting my DH in the christmas mood. He's the original grinch.

[comewhinewithme]

My mum wraps all my gifts for me because I hate wrapping while she is doing this I write all her xmas cards for her because she hates doing the cards.

[SpookyAlice]

CWWM - i love the idea