Asda Christmas advert

I don't even feel the bah humbugs. I just do things my own sweet way and if people don't like it, tough. No-one has ever complained. [xmas dragon]

I can feel a Bah Humbug! coming on.

I remember threads on GN last year when lots of people were complaining about all the pressure to do this and that and how tiring it all was trying to please everyone, including themselves. At least, that was the impression I got. I thought, as I do every year, "so don't do it; stop trying to make an impression and feeling that certain things have to be done; just have a nice, relaxed, time", etc.

I think the ad is funny. Sexist too, but funny. As absent says, it's really about the xmas FUSS. Glad there's been an outcry . Bet Asda didn't count on causing a right proper social discussion of values

I have a feeling you're right Jingle

You're never gonna make any difference to this when. It's genetically impossible for men to feel the same about Xmas.

I think it shows what's wrong with Christmas rather than what's wrong with [some] families. But then, of course, it's advertising Wal Mart Asda.

Anyone remember the John Lewis one last year?

we had a bit of fun on a thread (I'm getting all nostalgic now)

(Sorry to link to a thread that I started but it was fun when GNHQ piled in )

It certainly reflects reality, but I agree with Jess that feminism needs another boost.

Oh yes! Nothing changes really.

That was, and to a certain extent, still is me!

Just looked at the ad online. That is so good^! I recognised every scene from every one of my Xmas's since I had kids.

I'm glad it's not just me.

They know their market.

ad here if you haven't seen it at bottom of page

It's OK smolski not offended and I have done some stints as stay at home mum myself. Not sure if I can face watching the ASDA ad though...

Sorry maybe it wasn't good to generalise but was common amongst the families where I grew up which is what I meant. ....not say rightly or wrongly just how it has been for me

Steady, smokski I think GNners range in age from 50ish to 90ish so I don't think generalising about the generation we come from is useful. When I was a young mum in the 1970s feminism was a battle ground as women started going out to work and were still, in the main, expected to wait on husbands as if they were at home all day.
I belong in the "christmas is a patriarchal, capitalist plot" camp myself.
I think there is a resurgence of feminist awareness. The Twitter site "everyday sexism" seems to be a focus at the moment. At last the young women are "getting it" maybe.

that it simply IS

Haven't seen the advert, but I suspect in most heterosexual households (for want of a better description; suggestions welcome) that is simply Is the women who do the xmas preparations. We've have threads about women sending all the cards, getting all the presents, etc.

When my two elder kids were small I was a stayathome parent. DH, who had an academic sort of job, agreed that my job was a lot harder and more stressful than his, so he was very willing to be helpful with the kids when he came home. He didn't cook or clean, but he washed up, helped with shopping (as the donkey – we had no car), and so on. I wish people would stop talking as if being a full-on parent wasn't work. It's a JOB.

Rant over

People would find something else to complain about if it wasn't this wouldn't they ? I must say that I enjoy the busy days before Christmas and the running around making sure we have everything for the family also all the running here and there as we arrange for the children at school to enjoy their parties and for my neighbours to enjoy their Christmas day out.The best time is when I sit down and look around our table and see my family enjoying the food,the company and exchanging gifts,I like to see my family tucking into a meal I have prepared and don't need any help from anyone thank you very much,as for other members of the family helping as long as they entertain the little ones all is well with me and mine.

I haven't seen the advert but like most on GN came from a generation where dads worked and mums stayed at home,and that was reflected in my marriage where Ian worked really hard,and very long hours,and I always felt that I should take care of the home(except decorating I am useless) making sure he was warm well fed and clean,now with a newer younger model,he is a new man and wants to involve himself with both...talk about teaching an old dog new tricks,all the beliefs I held as a young wife and mother,sometimes don't know wether I like it ..or not

Some people seem intent on making a fuss about absolutely everything these days!
Although lots of men do their share for their families, I'm sure there are still many, many women who all the Christmas preparations!

I also totally agree with "seasider" that the young woman in the advert could have been me, and I am sure still applies to some young women nowadays. So they would certainly agree with the message from the advert.

However, I now have six daughters (in-laws included here) and I feel sorry for their husbands/partners!! All these young men work very hard and apart from one daughter, all the other daughters are at home caring for their children. The men come home from work and are then expected to help prepare dinner, takeover the childcare, iron their own shirts etc.etc. So times certainly have changed, and the buildup to Christmas is certainly "shared- out".

Whilst I agree that men did need to help out more than the older generation did, I think that if a woman is at home all day, even though she has children to care for, it has become the status quo for the husbands to have "to do their fair share" which does not seem fair to me as the onlooker!!!

Perhaps these young men are the ones who are protesting about the advert?!!

It is the truth!! Certainly for my generation of women. Good for ASDA!