Christmas 2024

Just had a random discussion at work about whether tinsel is still needed at Christmas. The group was split down the middle, half think it is naff (me included) and the others think it is a Christmas necessity. What are the forum's view - Naff or Nice?

Pure tacky
 
Just had a random discussion at work about whether tinsel is still needed at Christmas. The group was split down the middle, half think it is naff (me included) and the others think it is a Christmas necessity. What are the forum's view - Naff or Nice?

I had this conversation with my partner at the weekend. We lamented how decorations have become minimalist design statements. We have decided next year to decorate at least one room in a 70's/80's retro style with tinsel, paper decorations, streamers etc and go totally over the top with it.
 
Here’s a treat for you to try (wife and I still do this)… Go out xmas eve to shops, about 4/4;30pm split up with 20quid each to find a pressie for each other in less than an hour, and it cant be crap or voucher nonsense

Actually really love that idea and may do it next year. Whilst it is hard work, this year is all about no hints etc and just trying to buy something based on what we know about each other. With my ex it had all become about Amazon wish lists etc and it became a boring task of just clicking on something pre picked with no thought or love in finding the right gift.
 
Actually really love that idea and may do it next year. Whilst it is hard work, this year is all about no hints etc and just trying to buy something based on what we know about each other. With my ex it had all become about Amazon wish lists etc and it became a boring task of just clicking on something pre picked with no thought or love in finding the right gift.
This sounds absolutely ideal. No stress or anxiety about wasting money on the wrong gift, just buying something with absolute certainty that it's something they want. Perfect.
 
This sounds absolutely ideal. No stress or anxiety about wasting money on the wrong gift, just buying something with absolute certainty that it's something they want. Perfect.

My wife and I just set a limit of saying £50 each and give each other things to wrap.

I'd like this from the kids

Etc etc

Few times we add little bits

Simple but effective
 
And paper chains strung across the ceiling :ROFLMAO:
Thing about paper chains - as kids for us making the paper chains out the gummy paper was a part of the fun. I also loved these coloured (crepe?) paper balls and bells, and cut coloured crepe paper chains that collapsed flat for storing…open them up - clip open with a paper clip, and hang up.

These room decorations were part of the continuity of life from Christmas to Christmas…as were the little porcelain skater; the Santa with wheelbarrow and snowman, and the little Santas House, that every year mum put on her Christmas Cake.

All very late 50s and 60s, up to the mid 70s I suppose, but just the thinking of them will always really brightens my mood.
 
Actually really love that idea and may do it next year. Whilst it is hard work, this year is all about no hints etc and just trying to buy something based on what we know about each other. With my ex it had all become about Amazon wish lists etc and it became a boring task of just clicking on something pre picked with no thought or love in finding the right gift.
For me with my Mrs it’s her deciding which of the three Jo Malone scents she’s tried that she’d like me to buy for her…but the important thing was that I was in the store with her when she was testing - for her that’s my main part in the choosing - I was there. I'll prob also buy her something for under £20 that she’d find useful or like. But no other big spend.
 
Just had a random discussion at work about whether tinsel is still needed at Christmas. The group was split down the middle, half think it is naff (me included) and the others think it is a Christmas necessity. What are the forum's view - Naff or Nice?
Before I answer - can someone (anyone) post up a picture of some tinsel.

Me & MrsB have different ideas as to what tinsel actually is ...
 
For me with my Mrs it’s her deciding which of the three Jo Malone scents she’s tried that she’d like me to buy for her. I’ll prob also buy her something for under £20 that she’d find useful or like. But no other big spend.

We are beyond big spends and are just looking for something thoughtful. I get the ease and guaranteed accuracy of getting something from a wish list but, and maybe it is just me, but that just lacks something.
 
We are beyond big spends and are just looking for something thoughtful. I get the ease and guaranteed accuracy of getting something from a wish list but, and maybe it is just me, but that just lacks something.
I guess it depends what I consider a ‘big’ spend. For us it’s £130 for the Jo Malone; and £120 for a new waterproof jacket for me (old one retired as it totally failed the West Surrey test)
 
Loved them. Feel sorry for today's kids never have experienced the joy of unfolding a crepe bell

And never experienced the sensory overload of entering a room at Xmas with an explosion of clashing colours and styles, multicoloured lights, tinsel, paper chains the lot. Everything now is cool, white lighting and the occasional tasteful decoration with everything on the tree matching and perfectly placed.
 
I had this conversation with my partner at the weekend. We lamented how decorations have become minimalist design statements. We have decided next year to decorate at least one room in a 70's/80's retro style with tinsel, paper decorations, streamers etc and go totally over the top with it.
MrsA is a teacher so she's always "too busy" to get involved with putting the decorations up. She's also very artistic, so if she was involved it would all be very conservative and artful.
So I've been doing it all for the last few years and take pride in making the tree and living room look like it's been christmasified by an overexcited 4-year old. It's a family home - not a financial institution.
 
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