The countdown to Christmas has officially begun, and for many, that means opening an Advent calendar each morning, with a small but delightful treat to kick off the day. But this year, the Celebrations Advent calendar is causing quite a stir, with many people voicing their frustration on social media. Instead of the festive excitement that the calendar usually brings, some families are experiencing disappointment, particularly with one controversial chocolate: Bounty.
The Advent Calendar Controversy: A Bounty Overload
For those unfamiliar with the concept, an Advent calendar is a holiday tradition in which children or adults open a door each day leading up to Christmas Eve, revealing a small gift or treat. Most calendars offer a variety of chocolates, from classics like Mars and Snickers to favorites like Twix and Milky Way. However, those who purchased the Celebrations Advent calendar this year have found themselves faced with an unexpected challenge: a seemingly never-ending supply of Bounty bars.
It all started on December 1st, when customers excitedly opened the first door of their Celebrations calendar, only to find a Bounty inside. While some might have been okay with the coconut-filled treat, it was the second day that raised eyebrows—another Bounty. And on December 3rd? You guessed it—another Bounty.
“Three Bounties in a Row”: The Outrage Begins
It didn’t take long for the complaints to flood social media. Parents, in particular, were not amused by the monotony of receiving the same chocolate bar three days in a row. One user vented on X (formerly Twitter): “My kids have been really disappointed to get 3 Bounty’s in a row on their Celebrations Advent Calendar. Surely a different chocolate each day???” Another wrote: “3 Bounties in a row? This is absurd. Who made these calendars?”
The frustration is understandable—Advent calendars are supposed to bring a little joy and excitement each day leading up to Christmas, not start debates over which chocolate is the “worst.” Bounty, with its signature coconut filling, has long been a polarizing treat. While some people love it, others despise it, and it’s often the last candy left in a tub of Celebrations chocolates, with people jokingly fighting over who gets to avoid it.
Why the Bounty Backlash?
So, why the uproar over Bounty? The issue stems from both the chocolate’s polarizing flavor and the fact that an Advent calendar is supposed to offer variety. The idea is that each day brings something new and exciting—a small surprise that enhances the magic of the holiday season. But the overwhelming presence of Bounty has turned this experience into something less than magical.
People aren’t happy with their Celebrations Advent calendars this year (Richard Baker/In Pictures via Getty Images)
When people expect a daily treat with a different flavor and find themselves with the same one over and over, it’s no wonder they’re feeling frustrated. The repeated Bounty bars are seen as a lack of variety, and for many, it feels like a big letdown. The idea of opening a new chocolate each day should be a fun experience—something to look forward to. But with the endless Bounty bars, that joy is replaced by a sense of disappointment.
A “Production Issue”? Some Think So
Many have speculated that the abundance of Bounty bars could be the result of a production issue. After all, how could a large-scale retailer like Mars overlook this obvious flaw in their Advent calendar design? Some consumers are convinced that the Celebrations calendar was packed incorrectly, giving way to the same chocolate day after day.
One frustrated parent tweeted: “Bought 2 Celebrations Advent calendars last week. Every one opened so far has been a Bounty. Surely a production issue. Worst chocolate to get as well. Kids not impressed.”
The idea of a simple “production error” is a comforting explanation, as it gives people hope that the problem will be resolved soon. But others are simply questioning the brand’s commitment to quality control and whether they’ve truly taken customer preferences into account when packing these calendars.
Celebrations Responds: The Christmas Debate Continues
In response to the growing backlash, a spokesperson for Celebrations offered a lighthearted comment on the issue: “Christmas isn’t Christmas without the annual chocolate debate. Whilst we know Bounty isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, we also know that for some of you, these first few days will have gone straight on the nice list! Our calendars are all about sharing and surprises, so rest assured more variety is on the way behind the other doors. Watch this space, the nationwide chocolate debate is about to get even more intense…”
While the statement attempted to diffuse the tension with humor, it also implied that more variety would be arriving behind future doors. But the damage had already been done. For many parents, the magic of the Advent calendar had already been marred by the constant appearance of the coconut-filled treat.
Is This a Christmas Tradition Gone Wrong?
The Celebrations Advent calendar fiasco has sparked a larger discussion about the commercialization of Christmas traditions. Advent calendars, which were once a simple and delightful way to count down to Christmas, are now a big business. Companies know that consumers are looking for special, high-quality experiences, and they’re eager to capitalize on this annual tradition.
However, the Bounty debacle has highlighted the importance of listening to customer feedback. When a brand puts out a product that feels more like a disappointment than a treat, it risks alienating its audience. This Advent calendar, in particular, has shown that even the most festive of products can go wrong if the brand doesn’t prioritize customer satisfaction.
The Verdict: Should You Avoid the Celebrations Advent Calendar?
If you haven’t bought your Advent calendar yet, you might want to reconsider if you’re not a fan of Bounty. While the issue may be a temporary one, it’s clear that many people feel let down by the lack of variety so far. However, if you’re a Bounty enthusiast—or if you just want to see how the calendar resolves itself over the next few days—this might not be a deal-breaker.
Ultimately, the Celebrations Advent calendar is a reminder that sometimes, even the most beloved traditions can go awry. But with some holiday magic (and a few more chocolates to come), this controversy may soon be forgotten, and Christmas will still be merry and bright for most.
Conclusion
The Celebrations Advent calendar has certainly stirred up some holiday controversy this year. With a flood of complaints about the overwhelming number of Bounty bars, many shoppers have voiced their displeasure. However, it’s important to remember that Christmas is about more than just chocolates—it’s about the joy, excitement, and magic that this season brings. While the Bounty debacle may have caused some disappointment, it’s likely that future days will bring more variety and restore the joy of Advent calendars for many.
