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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think all of these Christmas boxes are just mindless consumerism?

78 replies

hahbumbug · 02/12/2025 12:34

Yes it’s been done to death and I’m being judgemental but I wish people would stop buying all of this shit. Like most things Christmas, it’s another tactic to guilt you into parting with your money.

I’m being a right grinch but I’ve come across three posts today with personalised helium balloons & entire walls filled with massive balloon arches for the arrival of the elf on the shelf. Also balloon boxes, plastic Christmas water bottles dated & personalised with names, little Christmas toys and so on. No doubt they’ll have more to come on the 24th. What’s annoyed me more is the influx of comments underneath each post with “you’re the best mummy”, “well done mama!” & all the variants of that.

We’re reluctant to start the elf on the shelf, luckily it doesn’t seem to be on our eldest’s radar. I like the idea of a few little bits on Christmas Eve, I’ll probably pick up a Christmas book & maybe a DVD out the charity shop. We’ll make hot chocolates and they can colour in whilst I prep veg.

Bah Humbug

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hahbumbug · 02/12/2025 12:43

Fluteytooting · 02/12/2025 12:37

I’m in complete agreement. We don’t do any of this stuff and we love Christmas! My kids get an advent calendar (one of those re-fillable ones), a new pair of pjs and a book on 1 December. Then we just count down to Christmas Day!

I love this idea. I took mine to see Father Christmas on Sunday, cost me a fiver (council run) and they were given a book & made a little wooden ornament.

I’ve also repurposed an advent calendar given to me by my sister. They admittedly got some new PJs, but they’re red plaid & they’ll be wearing these until they’ve grown out of themGrin

Have a lovely Christmas!

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WhateverMate · 02/12/2025 12:41

You're right, it's been done to death.

And yet grown adults still choose autonomy over their own Christmases.

Fluteytooting · 02/12/2025 12:37

I’m in complete agreement. We don’t do any of this stuff and we love Christmas! My kids get an advent calendar (one of those re-fillable ones), a new pair of pjs and a book on 1 December. Then we just count down to Christmas Day!