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Original poster

To hate the idea of Christmas Eve hampers?

307 replies

leobear · 15/10/2013 14:57

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!

OP posts:
twitchypalm · 15/10/2013 20:49

We have always done christmas pjs and a new book chrsitmas eve. Me or dp go upstairs to run the dcs bath they go up to have it and miraculosly a wrapped pair of pjs and new book has been delivered by the elves to there beds.

The dcs will be 8 and 9 this year so dont know how long we can keep it up for its always a special pair of pjs that we wouldnt normally buy during the year.

I dont see whats wrong with making christmas magical for the kids.

dementedma · 15/10/2013 20:53

Ooh, at last. A kindred spirit who won't buy chocolate advent calendar. Thought it was just me. I have to hunt every year for a nice one with a nativity and no decking chocolate!

dementedma · 15/10/2013 20:53

Fecking! Fecking!

cathers · 15/10/2013 20:59

We do a shoebox covered in Xmas paper with some pjs, a book, a chocolate and a bauble for the tree. I don't think this is going overboard,the pjs are needed and the dcs will have the baubles to put on their own tree when grown ups.

maddening · 15/10/2013 21:02

My dad's side of the family is eastern European - so we have a big celebration on Christmas eve as that is when they do it and then my mum's Christmas is Christmas day - 2-4-1 :) ?

Rufus44 · 15/10/2013 21:03

Don't buy chocolate advent calendars

Have a huge advent calendar which I fill with either chocolate, vouchers ( for a Christmas movie or Christmas baking) or very small toy

And we have presents on Boxing Day! (Family ones)

And they only get one pair of pj's a year, we just give them on Christmas Eve

And they don't come in a hamper, and I've done it for nearly 14 years

FrightRider · 15/10/2013 21:10

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Lifeisontheup · 15/10/2013 21:11

I always wanted one of those felt advent calendars when DC's were small but they were too expensive. Now they demand chocolate ones at 17, 20 and 21.
BTW does anyone know if I can post a chocolate one to Italy for DS who is at uni there?

chanie44 · 15/10/2013 21:24

I'm doing Xmas eve hampers for my two (aged 3 and 1).

My hampers have new pjs, new toothbrush, snowman soup, chocolate coins, reindeer food and a letter from Santa. Kids always need pjs and toothbrushes and they are practical items. The rest will cost pennies as they are homemade.

I'm not wrapping them up, although I may try and make a sack for them to use every year.

Ps the one year old is only getting the pjs!!!!

Fleta · 15/10/2013 21:30

My thoughts on the matter - bit of a stream of consciousness.

We always got a pair of new PJs on Christmas Eve when we were smaller. My daughter now gets the same. Pretty long standing for a "new" tradition.

Why do people get their knickers in such a twist about how much/how little people spend on their families at Christmas. You're only a dick if you spend beyond your means. It is interesting that the assumption seems that Christmas Eve presents are in ADDITION to Christmas DAy presents - maybe they're just the same amount of presents over two days.....

I'm not in the slightest bit religious. As far as I'm concerned the supposed "real meaning of Christmas" is a myth. For us Christmas is about enjoyment, family and gift giving. That doesn't mean I'm better/worse than any other person - just different. Viva la difference!

ICameOnTheJitney · 15/10/2013 21:31

I think it's the word "Hamper" which makes hackles rise. Hamper suggests an over the top, large gift box brimming with presents. When really it's a fer treats. DO people actually put them in hampers? Or a gift bag or something?

Ragwort · 15/10/2013 21:33

What is snowman soup ? Grin

fuzzpig · 15/10/2013 21:35

Snowman soup is basically jazzed up hot chocolate AFAIK (white choc)

Threalamandaclarke · 15/10/2013 21:40

I saw some recently dementedma
If only I could remember where..... WHSmith?

HardFacedCareeristBitchNigel · 15/10/2013 21:40

Demented, dd doesnt have a choccy one either. Poor deprived child gets a massive religious scene instead !

DioneTheDiabolist · 15/10/2013 21:41

I don't think it's a class thing. I think it's a sneering thing. Some people like to look down on others. Some are on this thread.

Threalamandaclarke · 15/10/2013 21:41

Chocolate decking Grin

Threalamandaclarke · 15/10/2013 21:43

Ooh, baubles. Great idea. They can put something on the tree.

Bluestocking · 15/10/2013 21:46

FunLovinBunster beat me to it - "naff" is the word I would use to describe the whole Elf on a Shelf/Christmas Eve hamper performance. But the Elf on a Shelfers would probably think our Christmas was unbearably dry and unfestive. So, as usual, it's horses for courses.

Original poster
leobear · 15/10/2013 21:50

ERM - what is elf on a shelf??

OP posts:
FrightRider · 15/10/2013 21:54

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Bluestocking · 15/10/2013 21:55

Leobear, there are loads of threads about the Elf on a Shelf. Please don't make me describe it - it is really, really naff!

Swimmyfishy · 15/10/2013 22:00

Bah humbug! No not getting into this, christmas eve is fine just as it is! Its probably ( in our families opinion) the most exiting day of the festive period! A woodland walk,.trip to a ( family friendly) pub and a classoc xmassey movie PERFECT. We all do it in our own perfect way!

ringaringarosy · 15/10/2013 22:00

im doing a hamper for the 1st of december,it will have christmas pjs,dvds,books,sticker books/colouring,a bit kit with stuff to make cards and decorations and some sweets/chocs.

Christmas eve will be some MORE pjs (you can never have too many pairs of pjs)hot chocolate,maybe another dvd and some stuff to eat while we watch it.

these will have been delivered by the elf!

This is the first year ive done anything like this,xmas was quite non eventful in our house,so now the kids are old enough id like to make a fuss about it.

ringaringarosy · 15/10/2013 22:02

i only heard of elf on a shelf a few weeks ago and i bought one last week,it came today and i think its lovely!the kids will like it and its all just a bit of fun!

i love it when people use the word naff ive not heard that for decades!