The Ghosts of Advent Calendars Past

So, did the Ghosts of Advent Calendars Past visit Kim Kardashian?

Because apparently, there's been a Christmas miracle.

Everyone is STILL talking about that SKIMS advent calendar.

And honestly, I get it. IT'S TERRIBLE.

I already shared my thoughts on the $148 collection of things you could probably find in your bathroom drawer.

But the internet? Oh, it's been having FUN.

Subway posted a napkin, some crumbs and a hair tie.

The caption? "day 1 is a napkin 😍"

I'M SORRY. A NAPKIN.

Lidl went straight for the jugular: "Don't fall for the luxury calendar scam this year."

THAT'S WHAT I'M SAYING, LIDL. Those cheap chocolates are good!

Same moment. Same target. Two very different approaches.

Subway went for absurdity. Lidl went straight for the price tag.

Both nailed reactive marketing. Although I have to admit, Subway's made me actually snort.

But there's been an update.

SKIMS has apologised and offered customers two options: return the calendar for a full refund, or KEEP the calendar and receive $150 in store credit.

Yes, you can keep the infamous hair ties AND get $150 to spend at SKIMS.

And you know what? Good for them.

I can criticise a campaign and still give a brand credit for admitting something didn't land.

Maybe the Ghost of Advent Calendars Past paid Kim a visit, carrying Chanel's infamous $825 calendar full of stickers from 2021.

A little reminder that luxury packaging doesn't automatically make what's inside luxurious.

And perhaps some advent calendars are better left with the ghosts of Christmas past.