Christmas nonsense that can get in the sea

[YimYum]

Matching family pyjamas
Matching family jumpers
Photoshoots involving the above
The Elf
Christmas Eve boxes
Hot chocolate stations
Light trails

This is all just absolute nonsense that people are being sucked into by advertising and social media #makingmemories scams.

There, you're welcome. From a Grinch.

Anyone who uses the term making memories can just get in the bin 365 days a year, not just at Christmas. I saw a friend on facebook put a post up marking it was 1st December and that it was “time to start making memories”. Bit worried for them if their brain doesn’t automatically make memories the rest of the time!!!

I agree - the best memories (or at least things I do remember for any reason, not because it was intended to be memorable) are very spontaneous moments. Setting out to have a good time is one thing, the memories that anyone will have is another.

It started with boo baskets on Halloween and bunny baskets on Easter. I assume both are American. The parents I work with seem to spend hundreds of pounds every few months or so on these things.

I have a colleague with 5 kids, who does Easter Bunny baskets, boo baskets, brr baskets, Christmas Eve boxes (different from brr basket, which is December 1st), Advent Calendar (different from brr basket, which is only on December 1st), hot chocolate station, light displays, Santa's Grotto, birthday and Christmas Day present mountains, and of course, the North Pole breakfast. She loves to boast about how much she spends on it all.

I assume she's either up to her eyeballs in debt or has won the lottery but because of her ongoing commitment to gift expenditure, can't give up on the day job. Either way, it's very eyeroll-inducing.

Jesus. She must be exhausted having to keep up with the expectation of doing all that…

She does moan that her husband won't help out with it. Can't imagine why.

Instagram has a lot to answer for. It’s sent people into some sort of demented overdrive to prove to strangers what fabulous lives they have. All sugar-coated with added sprinkles and wrapped in a bow. Most of the time (if you know them) the reality is quite different.

Your assumption is wrong.

The only thing slightly resembling a "bun y basket" in America that I'm familiar with is a basket delivered by the Easter Bunny, lined with shredded colored paper, and containing jelly beans and maybe a cuddly toy or sidewalk chalk or bottles of bubbles. Some kids whose parents have more money than sense get more, of course.

I've never heard of a "boo basket" (wtaf?) and I don't know anyone who would indulge in thst nonsense.

Totally agree, all the hype has gone mad! Christmas stuff in shops in October, Christmas eve boxes, matching wear, elf, personalised balloons etc.

Just crazy and all for commercial gain, pressure on parents and SM pics. It's like we've told we've got to get into the spirit and make our kids expect it, I don't buy into it, ridiculous 😒

Lol indeed

True, this wasn't was OP was saying. It's about enjoying the time, as you've said, not about the superfluous nonsense. I've always loved this time of year and yes it brings magic to the dark season, but without the over the top extra 'traditions' IMO. ♥️

I stand corrected! Hopefully it doesn't catch on...

You do know parents/people only do all this because social media told them to and tjey are unable to mzke independent decisions for themselves without consulting social media lol

I’m with you OP

Id rather have a Christmas eve box than a "large glass of good wine".

Relying on alcohol to have a good time doesn't make you better than anyone else.

Surely people only do most things because others did them first. In the 90s when we all had foil decorations and multicoloured lights people did them because they followed a fashion.

Personally I think people should do what makes them happy, however they found out about it.

If there's no alcohol in your "Christmas Eve box" (whatever the fuck they are), then it's a load of old shite!

My son has worn through his hand me down Christmas PJs as he has been wearing them as an under layer in the cold, and as his clothing of choice in the summer. Actually they were only ever trousers.

I remember getting snowy winter trousers as a child which may have been Christmassy but were mainly penguins and polar bears. I wore them til they were to small.

Not all seasonal clothing isn’t appreciated and if it is, there are plenty of charity shops happy to sell them on, especially if you realise they don’t fit next festive season.

Meanwhile I shall be convincing my 5yo to at least try on his (age 2-3) Christmas jumper he had on his first Christmas, from some freecycle bag or other… I am certain it still fits…

I hate greige. last year my mum asked me to pick her up some Christmas tree decorations as she couldn't find hers. they were all bloody blush pink, silver or some other really dull colour. I managed to find a set of red baubles, but there was almost no choice. no proper, festive, bright jewel colours.

The flashing lights trouble me a bit. I'd find them a lot less overwhelming if they were just...on.

Yeah I read a post from a parent on FB recently whose child has photosensitive epilepsy, asking people not to have their lights flashing. Had NEVER occurred to me before. Now our outdoor ones are on slow fade 😊

That's a really lovely attitude. 'I didn't know, but now I do, so I'll make adjustments.'
Thank you! I find the slow fade ones fine but I find the flashing ones, particularly the fast flashing ones, completely overload my system. Am not epileptic, but definitely have issues with overwhelm.
💐

All of it.

And I’m sure years ago people moaned about Christmas trees, presents. Crackers, Christmas cake/pudding…
I don’t see an issue with each generation having their own tradition…
my DD absolutely loved the elf, gave her a month of excitement before school etc..
We did the Eve box too, she got a hot chocolate, popcorn and a film to watch before bed, pj’s so she had nice new ones for the morning photos!
I don’t really see how other peoples enjoyment makes so many misery guts take to SM moaning about what other people do with their children… non of it has to cost much.. and the elves aren’t even pricey 😂 & last years!

Anyone else find the sneering but otherwise attractive woman in the Miss Dior Perfume ad really irritating?