This article on the chocolates in the Celebrations box was originally written by Jonathan Byrne in 2021.
The news today will have devastated some. It will have delighted others. Bounty bars will be absent from UK Celebrations boxes for the 2022 Christmas season.
Every year we treat ourselves to countless big boxes of sweets. Celebrations have to be number one on that list. Those of us in Ireland who enjoy a good box of Celebrations will need not fret, as Bounty bars will not be removed in these parts (or, depending on your persuasion, this is awful news).
What the likes of Cadbury Roses and Nestlé Quality Street lack in star power, Celebrations make up for it and then some.
Having first launched in 1997, the infamous red tin has slowly risen to the top of the 'sure we'll buy a few for the cousins' food chain.
Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without indulging in pounds of chocolate after a heavy dinner. It wouldn't feel festive any other way.
The boxes of sweets even go beyond shelf life. They're often seen as keepers of tools, knitting equipment, coins and all the fiddly bits.
So, on this day of major Celebrations news, let us give thanks and praise, but let's also see how the individual celebration sweets performed - including that controversial Bounty.
Celebrations Player Ratings
Galaxy - 7/10
A strong performance from Galaxy this year. More often than not it's overshadowed by the higher-performing Galaxy Caramel but it really held its own. A simple player that doesn't go for anything too fancy. Always does well in the cup which is a plus.
Mars - 6/10
Mars has really been knocking around the park for quite some time. We're often googling how many seasons Mars has put in a shift for the celebrations and it surprises us every year. Peaked between 2004-2008 with the delight it brought. Still hanging in there.
Bounty - 3/10
You have to feel for Bounty. Handles themselves well in the media but always comes under scrutiny. A bit of an enigma at times, you really don't know what version of Bounty is going to show up. Always does well at the end of games for some reason.
Galaxy Caramel - 8/10
Seen as a bit of a showboater, Galaxy Caramel couldn't help but break sibling Galaxy's xG for the umpteenth year in a row. You often wonder when the novelty will wear off. It doesn't look like that's happening anytime soon. Unless a big signing is made.
Snickers - 5/10
A marmite player. Has a tough exterior and that's portrayed as such in the media. Isn't afraid to get stuck in when called upon. Does bear the burden of carrying a few extra pounds. Not a one-trick pony by any means but not a standout player this Christmas.
Maltesers - 9/10
We've seen a few high performing years of Maltesers now and it doesn't seem to buckle under the pressure. One of the first, if not the first, on the team sheet and does a good job of making the others look good around them. Another stellar effort this year.
Twix - 5/10
Sometimes you're thinking, where was Twix during all this? Were they even there? That's the reputation it's built up now as a behind the scenes type of character. Seems to work better in pairs but we'll not pry on that. Hasn't put in much fault though.
Milkyway - 4/10
What Milkyway doesn't do well for itself is speaking to the media. Often overshares and leaves the rest of the teammates in trouble. Better when they are crispy and not saying much to others. Too many times mistaken for a youth team member.
SEE ALSO: What If? Reimagining Ireland's World Cup History
