To ask for your unpopular Christmas opinions?

[GlummyMcGlummerson]

Mine is that a traditional Christmas dinner is horrible
Turkey - bleurgh, so dry
Sprouts - farts posing as leaves
Parsnips - how can anyone put them in their mouth?!
Stuffing - like eating sand
Christmas pudding - sour booze disguised as cake
Christmas cake - way too dry and that much fruit does not belong in a sponge

I'd honestly be happy with a plate of pigs in blankets, a jar of cranberry sauce and a spoon to eat the sauce straight from the jar.

Oh yes those bows that look like plague cross

I must admit to being thoroughly confused by Christmas Eve boxes. What about anticipation?

And when people say “Pop a dvd in” . A) I hate the term “pop” euuugh and B) dvds? Seriously? Have you been asleep for ten years?

I must admit to being thoroughly confused by Christmas Eve boxes.

What are you struggling with?

I don't understand Christmas Eve boxes either, they just seem to detract from the excitement.

@BefuddledPerson

I don't understand Christmas Eve boxes either, they just seem to detract from the excitement.

Well, that's your feeling and it's fine, but I'm surprised that the very concept is so befuddling. For lots of people, they help get the family into the Christmas mood and increase the anticipation, like a starter for a meal or good foreplay. A little mood enhancement and a taste of what's to come.

I hope that explains things for the confused.

Well I love my dvds and blu rays it’s easier for me as well.

@PrincessNutNutRoast don't take it personally, we all have different opinions.

I genuinely can't imagine needing extra help to get in a Christmas mood. Maybe my lot are just easily pleased simpletons

I open one gift usually from my friend who has the worst taste. I know its mean and I do love her but its always good for a laugh.

[quote BefuddledPerson]@PrincessNutNutRoast don't take it personally, we all have different opinions.

I genuinely can't imagine needing extra help to get in a Christmas mood. Maybe my lot are just easily pleased simpletons [/quote]
I don't do Christmas Eve boxes either, so don't worry, I'm not affronted by your inability to comprehend them. But as it's not beyond my wit to understand why some people enjoy them, I thought I'd help out those of you who struggle with it. Some people find them a pleasant mood builder that increases the anticipation and extends the enjoyment. That's all it is.

@PrincessNutNutRoast I think it's supposed to be a light-hearted thread . I wasn't being literal when I said I didn't understand them, it's just a turn of phrase.

Merry Christmas

[quote Imissmoominmama]@ToffeeNotCoffee- I still remember the pictures from my childhood advent calendar. It was probably A4 size at most, and had glitter on it, but the glitter was very fine. The pictures were like fine art, not cartoon- like.

I looked forward to them every year.[/quote]
I've seen some lovely advent calendars in book shops and so on.

[quote BefuddledPerson]@PrincessNutNutRoast I think it's supposed to be a light-hearted thread . I wasn't being literal when I said I didn't understand them, it's just a turn of phrase.

Merry Christmas [/quote]
No, I think my explanation enlightened you about this phenomenon that you can't understand or imagine. I'm glad to have helped, consider it my Christmas gift.

Yes, I'm glad you were there to help

@BefuddledPerson

Yes, I'm glad you were there to help

Always. There are posters all over the place, have been since October, insisting that they can't "understand" or "imagine" why someone might enjoy a film night box on Christmas Eve when they themselves do not. It's amazing how often it's couched in terms of such absolute incomprehension. Fortunately, I don't find the concept difficult, so I'm happy to assist.

That it was more fun when it started on 15th December earliest and ended on 5th January at Twelfth Night, when you had to tape or miss Christmas specials, when your family/friends weren’t immediately available through a screen, when Instagram and Facebook weren’t about

Christmas Specials of sitcoms are always shit, and last year’s Gavin and Stacey was an absolute dog turd.

Christmas tv is always crap, I refuse to sit through morcombe and wise if dh finds them.

@Bacter

I would like to see gifts banned for Christmas.

@bacter - you don't even give your children a gift?

@SilverBirchWithout
I much prefer the lead up to Christmas to Christmas Day itself. Love the anticipation and preparation during December, and Christmas Eve. But find the day a bit bleuh - too much pressure about it being perfect and sad it will soon be over!

I agree. Christmas Eve is the best day.

Also, It’s a Wonderful Life is boring. The only Christmas films I watch are Elf, Miracle on 34th Street (Attenborough version) and Muppet Christmas Carol (to be saved for Christmas Eve, watched just before bed).

Never seen Elf

The point about the Christmas Eve boxes is that they fly in the face of anticipation and excitement.

If you are giving kids a box of presents (even if it is a dvd and a pair of pjs) to unwrap a few hours before Father Christmas turns up, it kind of does away with the magic. Rather than being an appetite-enhancing starter, as PrincessNutNutRoast maintains, it is more of a case of eating a tin of Roses before your Christmas dinner.

And - I agree - you need the help of a Christmas Even box to get kids in the mood? However did people manage before these became a thing? Now that does confuse me!

IrmaFayLear A point well made.

Christmas eve boxes, meh.
That bastard shelf elf (aka even MORE work) shall never darken my door.