What would you put in a box of Christmas Cheer?

[DifficultBloodyWoman]

I have a relative who is a bit of a Grinch. Despite having children, in previous years, she either hasn’t bothered to put up a tree or does it on Christmas Eve. There are no special traditions or special food etc. The day is spent mostly on iPads and in bed. The kids split Christmas between her and their Dad.

I want to send a box of Christmas goodies to get them in the spirit of Christmas. The kids are 7, 10, and 13.

So far:
santa hats
a tree to stick on the wall
crackers
a book of Christmas themed stories
Christmassy chocolate and sweets

What would you suggest? (The box has to be posted and I want everything to arrive at the same time so I’m not going to order things to be delivered directly to them).

Sounds like you've put together a really lovely box 🎁

Why would she? Op is doing this because her sister can't be arsed to do it for her own children. She'll hardly feel jealous of their Christmas jumpers.

I was one of those children. After our dad died a week before Christmas our mum sank into a depression EVERY year. We were sad too, but still would’ve liked a tree, decorations, something special. Before that, Christmas had been a lovely exciting time. Mum made us feel guilty for even putting Christmas tv on. She spent all day lying on the sofa, crying. I understand how depressed my poor mum was, but wish we’d had an auntie like you! I think it’s lovely what you’re doing. Don’t let the naysayers put you off. They don’t know what they’re talking about.

That's really kind @DifficultBloodyWoman . I'm sure they will all appreciate it.

No child ever died from a deficiency of plastic tat and sugary sentiment.

are you a crappy parent who doesn't give a shit about anyone but themselves and their misery too?

I love Christmas. I have always loved Christmas - in December!! I don't put the tree up until the last weekend before (too busy wrapping presents and baking on Christmas Eve or I would leave it until then) It doesn't make me a Grinch, just because I don't turn the house into Santa's grotto from September onwards!

So, nothing like someone who doesn't do special food, who sometimes doesn't even bother with a tree at all, whose children spend Christmas on tech in bed then?

@ImNotReallySpartacus What a silly thing to say. No, they won’t die, but I can assure you they will be emotionally affected. They’re already grieving the loss of their family life, and missing their dad. The contrast between their miserable Christmas & their friends’ excitement just rubs their noses in it. Why do that to young children? My siblings and I dreaded December for years to come.

It'd be a bloody miserable sort of life if we all only got the bare minimum we needed to sustain life, don't you think?!

For what it's worth, OP, I think what you are doing is a lovely gesture. And for those posters saying that it might upset her sister, you clearly haven't read all of OP's posts; she has discussed it with her sister who isn't bothered by it, but the kids are very excited about receiving the parcel. Don't any of you remember how exciting Christmas was when you were children? Can you imagine suddenly having all of that taken away from you because your mum can no longer be bothered? Ignore the nay-sayers, OP, and carry on spreading a bit of Christmas cheer 🎅

Basic - hot chocolate (maybe HC bombs), Christmas dvd, paper chains

you could also add PJs for everyone.

I really like the idea of one of those Crystal Christmas tree (I mean this sort of thing https://www.amazon.co.uk/Playwrite-Magic-Growing-Christmas-Tree/dp/B07YN2ZLG4/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=crystal+christmas+tree&qid=1701006615&sr=8-6)

maybe glow sticks and bath bombs for a relaxing glow stick bath before bed

Thank you for sending them love, Happy Christmas!

USB with Christmas music/films

• Advent calendars
• A mini tree each and some cheap baubles so they can decorate their own trees (I think pound shop do them)
• Christmas pjs
• Bauble making kit or wooden rounds and colourful things to make their own
• Letter to Santa kits
• Christmas books
• Gingerbread men to decorate (asda had them in)
• Cheap xmas movie dvds (if they have something to play them on

@DifficultBloodyWoman just saw your latest comments and I called it! The green eyed monster of sibling rivalry eh? If you're so close with your sister why aren't you asking her if you could send her and the kids some pre-Christmas treats? If you know what she likes and you are such a self proclaimed expert in 'Christmas spirit' why are you on here in front of total strangers, publicly calling her names and belittling her and asking for guidance? Oh.....yeah..... because you don't care about your sister or her children, you just want everyone to see that you're the 'better sister'. I'm genuinely wondering - what are you getting from this very public display of oneupmanship?

You sound completely unhinged.

what are you getting from this very public display of oneupmanship?

An anonymous post on the internet? 🤣

C’mon, you can troll better than that!

Put some thought into it. And some logic too. I’m sure you can find something more insulting and perhaps a little more sensible too.

Op has told her sister she's sending it. Stop your nonsense.

I did similar for my group of friends, I put in a family game, treats chocolate or biscuits, hot choc & marshmallows/sprinkles, family Christmas dvd and a Christmas blanket. The idea being that as a family they could enjoy time together. I hope you manage to spread the Christmas cheer 🎅🏻

Not everybody can fake it. Keep your judgement for when you become perfect.

I'm doing a box like this too, but it's for me...and DC, I guess 😁

Fine thanks, who the fuck are you?

You can't deny my logic but sensible - after what you've been up to? Do me a favour! I don't troll, I point out uncomfortable truths that people deserve to hear so that they know they've been called out @DifficultBloodyWoman. You do realise that you're posting anonymously because you know you're in the wrong here and that your sister would be hurt by the things you're saying about her right? Here's a sensible thought - show your sister this post if you're so sure she'd be ok with it. If you are insulted by my comments then it's because you know that you've been seen for what you are. You still haven't answered my question so I'll rephrase it - what did you think you were going to get from this very public display of one-upmanship? Validation? Praise? Reassurance that you're the better sister? I think you'll find those thin on the ground on this thread.

You sound like a person who's done something similar and feels a bit exposed 🙄

It's not nonsense to say that you only have the OP's word for what kind of relationship she has with her sister and how her sister has reacted to this 'gift'@StarlightLime. You are seeing this from the point of view of a person who was happily calling her sister names, laughing at her, belittling her mental health struggles and calling her lazy (the OP said "She is fine if other people put the effort in but can’t be bothered herself"). Maybe you need to stop believing everything you read on the internet.