Do you do anything special on the 1st Dec (other than opening the first door on the advent calender) ?

[spookysal]

I get out the box with Christmas books, puzzles and DVDs.

I also want to put Christmas duvets on the bed (if I can find any).

What do you do?

[OvO]

This year I'm doing a book advent calendar thingy. So 24 books will be put out in a Christmassy basket on Dec 1st (all individually wrapped) and my DS's will take turns choosing a book each evening and we'll snuggle up and read it together. All the books are winter/Christmas themed.

I started wrapping them last night. All excited.

[MinnieBar]

Christmas duvets are totally going to be the new 'new pyjamas on Christmas Eve' of MN 2012 aren't they?!

[Some0ne]

I saw Christmas duvets in Penneys today and was only able to restrain myself because both my kids are still in cots!

I'll probably watch something Christmassy with a mince pie after the kids have gone ot bed.

Oh, and we've an advent calendar this year for the first time so I'll have to explain that to DD.

[ItLooksLikeRainDear]

Our 'elf on the shelf' (lenny) is arriving Nov 30th with the DVD of the elf story so that we can start it on the first. Lenny will bring advent calendars on the 1st. I'm v excited about it this year as DS (2.10) actually understands what's happening.

Loving the duvet idea!

[Mousefunk]

Watch National Lampoons Christmas Vacation. Love it.

[neverquitesure]

The 1st usually coincides with our long weekend at Center Parcs which is When Christmas Officially Begins in our household (our whole extended family group and friends come, it's the only time we are ever all together in one place).

We also give the children their advent calendars and last year I gave them each a Christmas book which we are continuing this year. We don't decorate the house until mid December but we have lots of Christmassy activities throughout the month. We were on a tiny budget last year so no Christmas Eve pyjamas, but will be doing that this year along with some other ideas I have stolen from this thread.

[itsstillgood]

We try and do something 'christmassy'. This year is the church fete so perfect - usually find their is something on locally that fits the bill.
Advent calendars take time as they have a fabric one (with chocs), an activity one (jar pull out an activity) and this year a Moshling one. Plus we always do the colouring one from Activity Village

[Mintyy]

You are all NUTS! Christmas bedding???

1st December this year is the Mumsnet Christmas meetup and I'm going to that but otherwise it will just be a normal day.

[Mousefunk]

Oh btw. binfullofgiblets Amazon lampoons mugs I want them but soo pricey, my DH would kill me.

[Bullets]

We're going to stay with friends in London for the weekend from 30 Nov to see the window displays / Christmas lights / winter wonderland etc, I can't wait! This means that advent will start a bit earlier in our house - Thursday 29th!

I'm planning to do a homemade advent calendar using numbered little gift bags on a string across our new fireplace (which we need to get fitted in the next few weeks before it's too late!) with a mixture of activities and chocolate coins / santas.

Elf on the shelf seems a good idea too but really expensive, so I will just be buying a cheap Christmas-themed soft toy to do the same job!!!

[FindAprilJones]

Terrornotsofrightened I love your 1st December!
Usually I do the Xmas eve new pj's (wrapped up) but my OH hates early prep like putting up decorations before the 19th(our parents also superstitious about it).
Over the years tho I've realized how many of the little Xmas bits & bobs like sticker sets get wasted as new pressies take over so I'm determined to get into the spirit from Advent! Fairy lights, round up sparkly craft bits, smelly candles, box of Xmas DVDs down (Muppets Christmas Carol:-) & combine it with spending as little as possible as it's also a frugalista Christmas for us Cheers!

We are going to get norovirus aren't we for being organised and sparkly.

[FindAprilJones]

lampoons mugs! Must. Have. Lampoons. Mugs!!!!

So we can drink advocaat snowballs and watch our Xmas tree light up burst into flames

[Binfullofgibletsonthe26th]

I'm glad I'm not the only loon who wants the "Eggnog" set. I did see them on Amazon last month, but I cannot justify the money. I have so much Christmas stuff. Last year I HAD to buy an authentic Swedish Glogg warmer with matching cups and Glogg mix bowls.

But if I could, I'd have the Advent Calendar house too. it's also for sale.

I am tempted to buy the "Dedicate this house to the Griswald family Christmas" tee shirt for DH though. He'd love it!

[Murtette]

Advent calendars come out (obviously)
We buy and decorate the tree
Start making Xmas presents for the grandparents
I write most of the Xmas cards
Try & go to church as i love the advent carols like O Come O Come Emanuel

[WineGless]

Christmas hamper this year on 1st December which will contain wooden advent calendar, Xmas pjs, items to write letter to Santa, Nativity scene book, hot chocolate ( Christmas pudding flavoured) all the Xmas Dvdswhich I have cunningly hidden for the last month plus a new one.
I am also doing A book advent with 24 books wrapped up finishing with ''twas the night before Xmas'
I can't wait- can you tell!!

[OrangeKat]

We have an entire cd of advent carols Murtette! Th
at comes out, along with the christmas plates and bowls. Festive mugs, christmassy candles, cyclamen for the tables, advent calendars and candles.
An entire raft of festive films, the christmas playlist on the iPod- I fricking luffs it!

[Primrose123]

Abbicob I think Next do them. I haven't got any though!

[WhatWouldVegansDo]

Duvet: www.next.co.uk/g482706s1#769704g48, though why are so many children's duvets polyester? Yuk.

[Mousefunk]

I know.. I was thinking £48 so DH and I can drink eggnog from a moose mug on Christmas Eve?! Is it really worth it? Oh but the pictures would be fantastic.. hmm. Can I find a way to hide their true price from DH

[MinnieBar]

So tempted. But with three DCs I'm going to pretend I haven't seen it?

If you put 'Christmas duvet' into eBay it comes up with this corker, which not only is a snip at £59.99, but redefines kitschy. And it's 100% cotton WWVD!!

[izzywizzyisbizzy]

The christmas elves shall arrive - bringing sacks with Christmas DVD the advent calendars (*2 1 toy and 1 chocolate). I also have an advent calendar made up of 24 little books. The box of Christmas books will arrive and 25 days of christmas will start.

We will watch Polar Express, I love Christmas duvet idea and am going to get Christmas jamas (already hate complete sets for Christmas eve).

Also a new Christmas teddy (this year 50p each in charity shop).

I love Christmas - ironically new baby is due Christmas day!

[BIWI]

Advent calendar (mine - no-one else is much interested)

Christmas candle holders and candles on the mantlepiece

Christmas tablecloth and tablemats

Gradually introduce various Christmas ornaments. Decorate rest of house and put up Christmas tree the week before Christmas. (including window boxes outside the house )

[Beanbagz]

I allow my DD to play Christmas songs on her guitar

[Mintyy]

Ooooh, what goes in your Christmas window box Biwi?