Every December, tabletop wargamers quietly brace themselves for Christmas morning. Not because they’re ungrateful, but because they know the odds. Somewhere under the tree lurks a gift chosen with love, enthusiasm, and absolutely no understanding of the hobby. A mystery paint set. A novelty mug. Socks with tiny tanks on them. Again. In this accompanying video, I dive into a deceptively simple question: should wargamers make Christmas lists, or leave it all to chance? What starts as a light-hearted reflection quickly turns into a deeper discussion about how niche hobbies like historical wargaming and miniature painting collide with traditional gift-giving expectations.
Wargaming isn’t a casual pastime. It’s precise, personal, and often expensive. The difference between the right paint and the wrong one can mean the success or failure of a project. Brushes, primers, tools, books, and rulesets aren’t interchangeable, yet to non-hobbyists they all look roughly the same. That’s where well-meaning mistakes happen, and where the humble Christmas list becomes a quiet hero.
Rather than killing surprise or feeling transactional, a good list acts like a mission briefing. It gives friends and family clarity, confidence, and direction while still leaving room for creativity. It reduces stress, avoids wasted money, and ensures that gifts are genuinely enjoyed rather than politely shelved. In the video, I share personal examples, hobby horror stories, and practical advice on how to build a list that works, including how to keep the element of surprise alive.
The discussion also looks at the wider benefits of lists: helping loved ones understand the hobby, encouraging thoughtful gift-giving between hobbyists, and even strengthening connections when people take an interest in what those miniatures are actually for. From Secret Santas and gaming groups to partners trying their best, communication turns out to be the most underrated hobby tool of all. This isn’t about greed or control. It’s about respect for time, money, and the joy that comes from giving and receiving gifts that truly land. For historical wargamers, miniature painters, and tabletop enthusiasts, it’s a reminder that a little organisation can preserve the magic of Christmas rather than diminish it.
Because if Santa works from a list, there’s probably a lesson in that.
