Tilly, we have a reusable Advent calendar, that gets choc figures (from nets in M&S or Aldi) and either an activity (say, a note that we will be going for a long walk today, or clearing out DD's room) or a free printable colouring sheet or puzzle, or about 3 small token toys/sticker sets in the 24 days.
We have a reusable box that we put new (and needed) PJs into, and bath bombs and hot choc that we'd do anyway, and our old copy of a book. But putting them into the box all together makes it special and also really points DD (Aspergers) in the direction that now is the time for bath and bed, without having to have a meltdown or big argument. That's the "hamper" - the size of a box that a pair of boots come in. And that stores Christmas decorations most of the year!
I don't do a December 1st hamper - I DO take out the Christmas mugs (various plastic, glass and crockery ones) that we have in early-mid December so that we use them well. When DD was 2, I bought a set of a plastic mug, bowl, small plate and dinner plate for about €10, and 3 matching plastic glasses (for DH and I as well as DD) that she still loves (aged almost 9) for the season. We have a couple of Gluhwein mugs from a trip to visit DSis in Austria the year before DD was born and seeing lots of Christmas markets. We have 2 different sets (3 of a themed set of 4 (1 broke) and 2 matching in a different style/pattern) and 1 single mug that we were given over the years as presents. And I have 2 glass ones that we got free with motorway meals when driving "home" to our parents for Christmas last year.
The only other Christmas crockery we have is a tiny cream jug I bought on the family weekend at the scattering of my DGran's ashes a few years ago that has great sentimental meaning to me, and a 3-dips serving dish that was also a present. But I like to use them over the Christmas period, to remind me of the people who gave them.
And Christmas is important in our house for the Christian festival as well as the secular parts. And DD's birthday the following day.
Admittedly, DD will have a seasonal fleece this year, as we bought a panel when she and I explored the quilting shop on holidays in the Canadian Rockies with glee over the summer - she curls up under fleece blankets in the sitting room all year round in the mornings, and in the afternoons/evenings if she is getting overwhelmed and needs time out. I have to hem the edges, but it will get well used for years.
Yes, some people have loads in a hamper, some people just do a few essentials that they hand out. Different families have different traditions, needs, budgets, wants, amount of time available or needing to fill etc.
And just because some people seem materialistic, it doesn't necessarily show their entire Christmas season or prep here, as it's just about Christmas Eve Hampers.
For example, I have not talked about what I do for the local Lion's Club appeal every year. Where DD is given €20 to go buy a toy that she would like to get, for someone whose family does not have as much money or blessings as hers. That she hands over to the people doing the collection, in person, telling them why. While I hand over a fully loaded trolley bought using the €2 saving stamps cards I fill during the year from my spare change, buying all the bogofs and "50% extra free" deals, and doing it as a week's shopping for a family starting a household (so lots of cleaning things, toiletries, nappies, basic foodstuffs and ingredients as well as Christmas treats). But then, maybe that is materialistic of me too.
Going to Church, during Advent and on Christmas Day, are both important too in our family, as is getting to enjoy seasonal music (carol concerts in Churches, at the Live Crib, or in a concert hall - as well as the pop hits). Seeing family, and if that means forcing myself to take time out for a crafting activity with DD, and even her DCousins when we see them too, then yes, that is important. That is all part of the Christmas message, gathering together, and the Christian message.