To hate the idea of Christmas Eve hampers?

[leobear]

I know, I know.....Scrooge! But surely the magic of Christmas Eve is the simplicity of it, and the anticipation of what is to come. A hamper is really a big box of presents, and feels to me like overkill. But maybe I'm just a misery guts!

Matey doesn't smell the same any more. :(
I reuse to buy it any longer on this basis after a lifetime's loyal custom.
I think the basics of PJs, hot chocolate and a DVD are a good way to get everyone to relax together and make a wee bit of magic start for the DCs. I know a few of our past Christmas eves have been a bit fraught and fragmented with last minute to-do lists and not actually spending family time together.

We always had new pyjamas, sang carols as my mum read us The night before Christmas. I'm carrying that on :)

And I do mean just PJs for the kids. I have no intention of donning any humorous pyjamas or, god forbid, a onesie

I've always done new pj's on Christmas Eve for my dc - it's purely so they look cute in the Christmas morning photos!!

And we do always watch a Christmas dvd with hot chocolate, but it's not usually a new one.

Boxing Day gifts are a step too far though!

Lol at "big family slipper"

There's a market for that you know Hector

They could drink their hot chocolate from one massive mug and feel the lurve.

Really I think we should fast during Advent like medieval people did so we really enjoy Christmas.

NB fasting would involve no sex, too.

why would you feel like a knob sitting in pjs....

thats quite a strange thing to say really

Who are these heathens who don't buy special Xmas pyjamas? No wonder the world is going to hell in a handcart.

I have always given new pajamas on christmas eve. But they are not a present as i buy them so they will look nice in the photos taken christmas morning during the present opening.

I dont see the point in buying hot chocolate or mugs as we have these in the cupboard anyway and sky tv provides the christmas film.

Actually snorted tea down my nose at family slipper and family slanket. I'm putting myself firmly with the other Scrooges. Presents on one day only in the glitter residence.

Do you buy 'Christmas design' pyjamas? If so, don't they look a bit stupid a few months later or do your children not mind? .

We were never allowed Matey, my youngest sister is was scared of it, but she also had to put her left leg in the bath first and refused and bubbles so generally rather strange.

I don't feel knobbish at all in my new pyjamas, I feel wonderful. There will be over 30 people in my house for Christmas day, its nice after some evening drinks on Christmas Eve with friends, DH, DC and I will al sit down and watch a Christmas film with hot chocolate sweets and new pyjamas. The younger ones will then go to bed, the older ones will get dressed and go clubbing and I will frantically pre for the mania of the next day. Its a nice moment we have together as just us.

Interesting that the assumption that this is in addition to presents.

I haven't done hampers but I do other things like crackers for breakfast. The kids make them, they are something to do (both making and using) rather than something to have. I'm trying to create memorable childhoods not based around gifts.

I use Halloween stickers on the mirror in the dining room. My stepsons adore them and they only cost £1. I'm at a loss to where there is anything to be negative about there.

I didn't think we were allowed. Christmas threads out of the Christmas topic till mid November?

i dont buy christmas pjs. just normal ones.

but i will admit for having a "thing" for pjs.. they are my feel good thing... if i feel crappy or really ill or just want a night of snuggling..new pjs allways make it loads better.

i may have isshoos but i can live with it.

cantspel your children won't thank you for taking photos of them in their pyjamas .

A tradition in our house is that Christmas stockings are opened in bed but no other presents until after breakfast and church . When I was growing up we didn't have presents until after lunch but had to compromise when I married who came from a family that had a mad present opening session first thing in the morning.

I think it is quite interesting to read about all the different ways in which we all celebrate Christmas. (And we probably all think our own way is 'the right way' ).

Each to your own!
We have always had a christmas eve hamper... well more of a basket tbh. It contains pj's for everyone, bubble bath, dvd, hot choc, marshmallows, gingerbread men, a bottle of fizz and reindeer dust.
We attend a family carol service at 2.30 pm then we go for a light meal with friends. When we get home we find the basket under the tree.

My parents did this and we have continued it... the only addition is a dvd.

My DCs always get new PJs each winter. They are a bit too utilitarian to be a fun gift, but I tend to save them for Christmas Eve and just lay then out on the bed for after their baths. Then they put out a mince pie, carrot and some sherry for santa and go to bed. If I didn't save them for Christmas, they would still get the same PJs but without the excitement of Christmas.

At least the photos of them opening presents on Christmas morning are of them wear nice PJs that fit.

I have no idea if this is Christmas hamper. I thought it was me just being crafty mummy and passing off some boring PJs are something a bit more exciting.

wondering - genuine question, where do you buy 'nice' pyjamas? I love pyjamas but as a larger lady I find it really hard to buy nice ones, I don't want silly cartoon characters or that stretchy fabric, just good quality cotton. Suggestions welcome.

What's the beef with Christmas pjs?

Harmless, I tell you.

Lands End do proper cotton flannel PJs in a range of sizes from small to plus.

We have a stocking 'delivered' by the elves while we are at church on christmas eve evening. Just has some PJs, some chocolate and a small toy in but the kids love it.

I've only ever heard of Christmas Eve hampers on here and netmums but no, YANBU OP, I completely agree with you!
I absolutely LOVE Christmas, and all the things that come with it. Christmas Eve hampers just sound completely and utterly over the top.
Do the small people not get enough presents as it IS on Christmas Day? Why the constant deluge of STUFF?
Christmas Eve is the build up to Christmas, and low key. Not another present giving day.
Spoilt and unnecessary, and totally materialistic which isn't what Christmas is about.

I've always had new pyjamas on Christmas Eve and I'm 28 so it's definitely not a new thing.

I also have Boxing Day presents but that's coz it's my birthday. And we do 1 December presents too - only an Advent calendar though, nothing to get carried away about!