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Christmas

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Original poster

Family dispute. Where does Father Christmas put your kids toys?

51 replies

Spidermama · 14/12/2006 10:56

We used to put out pillow cases for him when I was a kid. I thought it worked well. DH insists on stockings because he says pillow cases aren't Christmassy. It never bothered me. Anyway, I don't like the tacky felt things which fall apart. They're not real stockings anyway so what difference does it make?

What do you use? Please don't suggest I start cross stitching my own stockings because it's not going to happen.

OP posts:
HumphreyCushiONtheFirstNoel · 14/12/2006 10:58

We use pillow cases - easier to attach to the fireplace.

fireflyxmasfairylights2 · 14/12/2006 10:58

we just put dd's on the setee & ds's on the other setee..... then Dh gets up first.. creeps into the livingroom, camcorder poised... and waits for me & the little people to open the door & see their surprise!!

We only use stockings for small things, I have got dd a watch for hers this yr... they hang on their bedroom door handles.

SchneeBallFight · 14/12/2006 10:58

why not get the kids to decorate some plain pilowcases? a compromise to make them more christmassy!

JessaJingleBells · 14/12/2006 10:59

Could you try a pillow case with suitably cristmassy decoration? Like sticking some tinsel round the top and taping a suitably christmassy picture from a card/wrapping paper/magazine to the front?

choosyfloosy · 14/12/2006 11:01

I got a felt one, as this is what I had, and because you can get ones that are SO much smaller than pillow cases. they go on the end of the bed.

But then we don't put main presents in the stockings, they are just a hors d'oeuvre.

Could dh put tangerine, apple, 10p, choc coins and 1 present in felt stockings to satisfy his tradition, and you put the rest of the presents in a pillowcase for yours?

rhubarbcat · 14/12/2006 11:09

My DD has my old stocking that my mum made me 30 years ago and is still going strong. Mum also made dd her own stocking so she has 2.

colditz · 14/12/2006 11:10

On the sofa in aa pile. This is where mine went as a child too.

santasaltire · 14/12/2006 11:11

We have small stockings on the bed - picked up in Woolies. In it goes small things - pens, bubble bath, socks etc. Then in living room they have a small santa sack into which goes their other presents from santa. Then all other presents from GP's, us, etc all go under the tree

oliveoil · 14/12/2006 11:12

wrapped under the tree in a big pile (same as when I was a child)

small things in stockings - nice red felt ones from somewhere, can't remember

Original poster
Spidermama · 14/12/2006 11:13

Ahh now you see dh insists that everything must fit in a stocking - which really limits what FC can bring.
He had it hard, you see, and remembers his childhood when he and his brothers each put out a rugby sock. So after the tangerine, a couple of chocolates and some new pants there was no room for anything else.

I like the idea of decorating pillow cases. Taping a card on is genius as it will take all of, ooh, 36 seconds per pillow case. That's the kind of practical suggestion I like.

OP posts:
wrappingpaperBOwZZAndribbons · 14/12/2006 11:18

So your DH seriously only wants you to buy for your DCs what will fit in a rugby sock after a tangerine, choc coins and pants? Well you should be having a cheap Christmas.

Mine have stockings that I hang on the fireplace and then on Christmas Eve they move them onto the corners of a small wooden chair. These are filled with small toys (choc coins, pants, toy car, hair clips, top trumps cards, tub of play-dough etc). Then the other presents (which will mainly from DH and I because other relatives will give presents later in the day) will be in piles for each person.

kslatts · 14/12/2006 11:45

we use pillow cases as that is what I did when I was child. I like the idea about decorating plain ones though so might get my dds to do that this weekend.

MerryMellowmas · 14/12/2006 12:05

Ours have always went onto a couch or chair. Myself and two brothers always had a chair each.

I am a bit unsure what to do this year as I have a corner settee and nothing else!

cazzybabs · 14/12/2006 12:09

pillow cases left on the end of beds...still remember waking up and hearing and feeling the rustle of paper as I streched out my toes!

cat64 · 14/12/2006 12:12

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

snowydelight · 14/12/2006 12:25

Stocking are left at the end of the bed to be filled with little bits and pieces and lots of chocolate. Everyones piles into our bed to open them together. Santa leaves one main present for each child in the living room (beside the fireplace of course). Everything else is under the tree (I like my kids to know where the good stuff comes from ) and is left until after our traditional breakfast of champagne, croissants, smoked salmon etc. I like my traditions!

essbee · 14/12/2006 12:33

Message withdrawn

MerryMellowmas · 14/12/2006 12:35

Small hijack - essbee how is your son doing?

fairyjay · 14/12/2006 12:42

We used to have pillowcases in our room, and went into parents' room to upwrap everything.

My kids have stockings in their rooms, and then a pile of presents downstairs to open. Now they're older, we set out all the presents in the different piles on Christmas Eve, and enjoy the anticipation!

essbee · 14/12/2006 12:42

Message withdrawn

MerryMellowmas · 14/12/2006 12:47

thanks essbee

DumbledoresFairy · 14/12/2006 12:49

MIL bought large Christmas stocking things for all my children as they reached their first Christmas. They are no where near as big as the pillow cases I had as a child, but that suits me fine as I have no where near the money my parents had!

Mummymonster · 14/12/2006 13:40

Ours go in front of the hearth

hulababy · 14/12/2006 23:02

DH and mine gor near the tress - not under as no room. DD's go on the sofa.

skill · 15/12/2006 15:12

little things in the stockings, which hang by the fire, and then bulkier things are left at each kid's shoes, also left by the fire.

I still remember the Christmas long ago when my dear old dad got my shoes mixed up with my brother's, and I got a fabulous garage with a half a dozen dinky cars, and he got a stupid old doll

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